Six Nations, Italy v France preview and tips: Ange Capuozzo should dazzle

Simon Wilkes
4 February 2023

Italy welcome France, who won the Grand Slam in 2022, to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday and all eyes will be on full-back Ange Capuozzo.

Capuozzo is quickly becoming a superstar in the sport after his performances for Italy in 2022.

He caught the eye in last year's Six Nations, scoring twice against Scotland before setting up the winning try against Wales, and then built on those displays in the Autumn Nations Series.

In November, Capuozzo touched down on two occasions as the Azzurri recorded their first-ever victory over the Wallabies - and he could shine in this year's Six Nations.

Italy will no doubt want to get the ball into his hands as much as possible, which will benefit the full-back as he seeks to put defences under pressure.

He has already shown his nose for the line in his brief Test career so far and will be a threat at the top of the charts this year.

Italy are an improving outfit and seem far less try-shy than in previous seasons, with Capuozzo at the heart of their renaissance.

France will be confident of getting off to a winning start, though, opening up their 2022 campaign by beating the Azzurri 37-10 at Stade de France.

Italy do have what it takes to beat Les Bleus, however, having taken them down twice before in the Six Nations, in 2011 and 2013.

The hosts head into Sunday's showdown having won five of their last seven Tests - and they could be leading at half-time, only to be reeled in after the interval as France move through the second-half gears.

France captain and scrum-half Antoine Dupont will be in the thick of the action too so backing him in the anytime tryscorer market, along with Capuozzo, seems sensible.