Italy vs France LIVE rugby: Result and reaction from Six Nations as Les Bleus run rampant in Rome
Italy 24-73 France: The visitors delivered a statement performance to get their campaign back on track
France ran rampant in Rome to deliver a Six Nations statement with a 73-24 thrashing of Italy.
After a damaging defeat to England in round two, Fabien Galthie’s visitors were in a ruthless mood as they produced a scintillating display of attacking rugby to carve their hosts to pieces. Antoine Dupont starred throughout while Leo Barre and Theo Attissogbe, brought back into the side after Matthieu Jalibert and Damian Penaud were left out, also impressed, vindicating the France head coach after some bold calls.
Italy began brightly and matched Les Bleus in a frantic opening, with Tommaso Menoncello producing a sparkling score to open their account. But the Azzurri simply could not live with the power, pace and panache that France possess. Out of sight they surged to a mighty margin of victory to restore their confidence ahead of a huge meeting with Ireland in round four. With their points difference impressive after a similarly sizeable drubbing of Wales on the opening weekend, France will feel they are still firmly in the title chase.
Re-live all of the action from the Stadio Olimpico in our live blog below:
France deliver Six Nations statement in 11-try thrashing of Italy
Italy felt the full force of a French backlash as Antoine Dupont orchestrated a 73-24 Six Nations victory in Rome.
Reeling from the wasteful 26-25 defeat to England in round two that dented their title ambitions, Les Bleus amassed 11 tries to set up their showdown with unbeaten Ireland in Dublin on 8 March.
France racked up their highest ever score in the Six Nations with man-of-the-match Dupont and Leo Barre crossing twice each, while livewire wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey was a constant threat.
France deliver Six Nations statement in 11-try thrashing of Italy
Italy 24-73 France 80 minutes
Some world class handling has Italy chasing shadows and France cross the whitewash once again through Barre, final score France 73-24 Italy. A decisive and cut throat performance from Antione Dupont and his team
Italy 24-68 France, 77 minutes
France try, no signs of stopping as France increase their lead once again. Theo Attisogbe with an electric finish but it has to be said that Italian fatigue has lead to poor defensive efforts late in this game
Italy 24-61 France 73 minutes
So nearly, Italy hack the ball long and regather, a sloppy attempt of a clear out leads to a French penalty and a well needed break in play after so many continuous phases. France once again given an attacking platform
Italy 24-61 France, 69 minutes
Italy awarded a penalty as they are playing to protect their pride in Rome. A bonus point still up for grabs if they could secure one more try. France are not willing to be broken, they get a turnover for holding on in their half
France run rampant in Rome
France have played some scintillating rugby as they race towards a massive win:
Italy 24-61 France, 66 minutes
Try France once again, a sumptuous French attack leaves Italy scrambling, started by skilful kick by Bielle-Biarrey that he regathers himself to set leo Barre up for a walk in try, Ramos makes no mistake this time with the conversion
Italy 24-54 France 61 minutes
The man of the moment Paolo Garbisi combines with his younger brother Alessandro for a well worked scrum try, the Italians not down and out yet
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