Backs Damian Penaud and Matthieu Jalibert were axed from France's team to play Italy on Sunday in the Six Nations, paying the price for poor performances against England. The decision by coach Fabien Galthié on Friday came after Les Tricolores made sloppy handling errors and missed tackles in a 26-25 loss at Twickenham two weeks ago.

Fabien Galthie has swung the selection axe and made drastic changes to his matchday squad for France’s Six Nations clash against Italy. France head into Sunday’s match off the back of defeat to England in Round Two and Galthie has ruthlessly reacted to the loss.

Stadio Olimpico Date: Sunday, 23 February Kick-off: 15:00 GMTCoverage: Text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app; watch live on ITV1; watch highlights on BBC Two from 1800 GMT.France team newsHead coach Fabien Galthie has made sweeping changes to his 23-man squad following his side's 26-25 defeat by England last time out.

France coach Fabien Galthie has swung the selection axe after his side’s Six Nations defeat to England with wing Damian Penaud and fly half Matthieu Jalibert omitted for the encounter with Italy. The pair are among those to pay the price for an error-ridden performance at Twickenham that saw France’s hopes of a grand slam go up in smoke.

The decision came after Les Tricolores made sloppy handling errors and missed tackles in a 26-25 loss at Twickenham two weeks ago as Galthie also opts for a Springboks-style 7-1 split on the bench