Hotels for Six Nations 2027: Italy v France

Italian rugby has grown into these afternoons rather than inheriting a big crowd from history, so the atmosphere builds gradually rather than roaring from the first whistle. French away support tends to travel in large numbers and takes over entire streets near the ground. Expect songs, flags, and a slow, sociable build-up rather than a sudden crush.

Italy's promotion to the top table in 2000 completed the modern Six Nations, and Rome has become one of the championship's most seductive away trips. The Azzurri have staged their home fixtures at the Stadio Olimpico since 2012, moving up from the smaller Stadio Flaminio to the city's grandest arena.

Set in the Foro Italico on the banks of the Tiber, the Olimpico hosted the 1960 Olympic Games and the 1990 football World Cup final, and today it is shared by Roma and Lazio, seating comfortably over 70,000. France, championship members since 1910, bring both quality and a sizeable travelling support, and their meetings with Italy have grown more competitive as the Azzurri have found their feet.

Reached from the centre by Metro line A to Flaminio and then tram line 2, a match here folds naturally into a weekend of the Colosseum, the Vatican and long Roman lunches, and the city's hotels fill quickly for a rugby Saturday.

Rome's grand Stadio Olimpico, home to both Roma and Lazio and the stage for rugby internationals and major concerts, sits within the sweeping Foro Italico complex north of the centre beside the Tiber. The surrounding area mixes riverside paths with striking architecture and sports facilities. Trams and buses link the stadium into central Rome, with Metro connections a short ride away. Booking a room in the centre keeps the Eternal City's landmarks and trattorias close, with a straightforward journey out to the ground.