The French have endured a surprisingly difficult start to their RBS 6 Nations campaign, suffering a shock 20-16 defeat in their opener against Scotland before being forced to cling on for a 43-31 win over Ireland after storming to a 43-3 lead.

At the time Laporte blamed fatigue for his sides lack of spirit towards the end of the Ireland match but, after announcing his 22-man squad for the match with Pierre Berbiziers men, he changed tack slightly, saying: I will add a strategic touch this time because we punished ourselves against Ireland.

We put ourselves under pressure for no real reason. Our ball possession was 40 per cent whereas the Irish had 60 per cent.

The Irish did not produce that much. We must change, analyse, understand and improve things as it is not normal we collapsed from 43-3 to 43-31.

Lets be better in all areas of the game but most of all possession to be able to unsettle the Italians.

Thomas Castaignede will make his latest comeback in the starting XV on Saturday.

He had been called up before Les Bleus defeat in Scotland but was forced to pull out with a thigh injury.

The 30-year-old Saracens star had been one of the key elements during Frances successful autumn Tests against Australia, Canada, Tonga and South Africa last November.

Castaignede comes in at full-back, with Christophe Dominici moving back to the wing in place of Cedric Heymans, who is on the bench despite scoring two tries against Ireland.

Damien Traille - who hasnt played since June - replaces David Marty at centre while Thomas Lievremont comes in for Julien Bonnaire, with both Marty and Bonnaire dropped to the bench.

Damien brings a lot of oxygen to the team, said team manager Jo Maso.

He played his last three matches with Biarritz and he is fine. He able to play 60 to 70 minutes without any problem.

Veteran hooker Raphael Ibanez and flanker Olivier Magne are also in the side after completing convincing performances against the Irish, but Pascal Pape (ankle), flanker Serge Betsen (cheekbone) and Benjamin Boyet (injured) are all injured.

Laporte, meanwhile, has warned his players against the threat of a resurgent Italy, who unsettled Ireland and England despite losing both matches.

They are not the team we faced two years ago or even last year, the manager added.

Most of their players play outside Italy and have gained a lot of experience in the past years.

Lets remain simple, serious and focused in everything we do.