However, that was then and this is now. Convincing victories over Oceanic duo New Zealand and Australia last year continue to add to the growing sense that their time has come to lift the Six Nations trophy for the first time since 2010.
Italy head into the tournament expecting another tough slog as their losing streak of 32 Six Nations matches – that started in 2015 – continues into 2022.
Young players will be given a chance to impress and develop against some of the finest teams in world rugby, but they face another tricky five weeks.
RadioTimes.com has rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch France v Italy on TV and online.
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When is France v Italy on TV?
France v Italy will take place on Sunday 6th February 2022.
Check out Six Nations TV schedule guide for the latest times and information.
What time is kick off?
France v Italy will kick off at 3pm.
There's a full slate of Six Nations games taking place this week, including Scotland v England.
What TV channel is France v Italy on?
Fans can tune in to watch the game for free live on ITV from 2:30pm.
ITV have the rights to broadcast all of France's home matches.
How to live stream France v Italy online
You can also live stream the match via ITV Hub on a range of devices including laptops, smartphones and tablets.
How to listen to France v Italy on radio
Audio commentary of the game will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live.
France v Italy team news
France: TBC
Italy: TBC
France v Italy odds
In working partnership with the Radio Times, bet365 has provided the following betting odds for this event:
bet365 odds: France (1/250) Draw (80/1) Italy (33/1)*
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France v Italy prediction
This one remains a formality: the tournament favourites versus the wooden spoon favourites.
France should win this at a canter. Italy will do well to keep the scoreline respectable, but nobody could expect that.
Our France v Italy prediction: France win
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