Parisse expects 'tough' France clash

Rome - Italy captain Sergio Parisse says the Azzurri are ready to hand France their third consecutive Six Nations defeat in Rome but admits Les Bleus will prove a tough nut to crack in what could be a torrid clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

Parisse will claim his 112th cap to become Italy's all-time record holder ahead of Marco Bortolami when he captains the Azzurri in their bid to make it three in a row against Philippe Saint-Andre's side on Sunday.

While France are looking to avoid their third consecutive defeat in this year's tournament, Italy have gained confidence from a morale-boosting 22-19 win over Scotland at Murrayfield two weeks ago.