The Italians have not come close to defeating Les Bleus in their eight previous games in the tournament, and current form suggests that record will be kept intact at the Stade de France this weekend.

France's defeat to England a fortnight ago was their first reverse in this season's competition, following victories over Scotland and Ireland.

Italy, meanwhile, will be licking their wounds after being trounced 47-8 by Wales in their last game.

However, prior to that result, they produced a couple of promising displays in defeats to Ireland and England and new coach Nick Mallett will be confident of ruffling a few feathers in a new-look France team.

Les Bleus coach Marc Lievremont has made nine changes to his line-up, bringing in three more debutants in the form of prop Fabien Barcella, flanker Ibrahim Diarra and 19-year-old centre Yann David.

Star centre Yannick Jauzion returns after a hand injury, while there are also recalls for winger Julien Malzieu and Anthony Floch, who makes his first start in only his second appearance for his country.

Italy have made four changes, with captain Marco Bortolami back at lock and Alessandro Zanni replacing suspended flanker Mauro Bergamasco.

Kaine Robertson comes in for Alberto Sgarbi on the wing and prop Andrea Lo Cicero is in for Salvatore Perugini.

Italy's renowned pack will fancy their chances against France's much-scrutinised scrum.

And Jauzion warned: "We have seen often against them that it won't be easy and we are going to remain very wary."