France take on Italy in the opening clash of the 2016 Six Nations at the Stade de France, with both sides looking to improve after a disappointing 2015 World Cup campaign.

The two sides last played each other in their World Cup Pool D match in England, with Les Bleus emerging 32-10 winners at Twickenham. Italy went on to finish third in the pool and failed once again to qualify for the knockout stage, while France fared only slightly better, reaching the quarter finals only to be annihilated by New Zealand 62-13.

That dysfunctional and disintegrated French team now have a new coach in Guy Novès, who takes over after leaving Toulouse. His fellow countryman, Jacques Brunel, will be leaving as Italy head coach after this year's Six Nations campaign.

In this video, IBTimes UK sports editor Nick Howson previews the match and gives his predictions on who will emerge victorious.

France vs Italy kicks off at 2.45pm GMT on 6 February. Live coverage is available on BBC1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.

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