The upcoming match between France and Italy, part of the Six Nations tournament, is set to take place at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq on Sunday, with the roof open despite the expected rainy weather. Preparations for the French team are currently ongoing in Marcoussis, where they have been training under similar conditions to what they anticipate experiencing during the match, including a high likelihood of rain and wind gusts up to 50 km/h.

The decision to keep the stadium's roof open stems from an inability to reach an agreement with the Italian federation regarding the match conditions. Unlike last week's match in Cardiff, where the roof was closed, this time, the open roof is expected to add an additional challenge for both teams as they battle the elements.

This decision reflects ongoing logistical discussions and negotiations that can significantly impact the player’s performance and the overall viewing experience for fans. As the tournament progresses, such operational challenges highlight the complexities involved in international rugby events and can lead to heightened scrutiny from both spectators and sports analysts alike.