Experienced Italy aim to spring a surprise

France blend old and fresh faces for their opener against Italy in Parma. There is a new back row comprised of Axelle Berthoumieu, Charlotte Escudero and Émeline Gros, while Carla Arbez gets a debut at fly-half. The team is led by the experienced Audrey Forlani from the second row with her predecessor as captain, Gaëlle Hermet, named on the bench. France defeated Italy in their World Cup quarter-final 39-3, similar to last season’s Six Nations scoreline of 39-6. Italy did sneak a win in a World Cup warmup though and have a largely experienced selection with no starting player possessing fewer than 12 caps. Alyssa D’incà is one of three changes to the team that lost in the World Cup five months ago along with hooker Vittoria Vecchini and flanker Giada Franco.