Italy vs France LIVE rugby: Six Nations 2023 result and reaction as Italy narrowly miss out on famous win
Italy 24-29 France: Italy push the reigning grand slam champions all the way but Matthieu Jalibert’s try sees Les Bleus win
Ethan Dumortier scored a try on his France debut as the Les Bleus kick-started their Six Nations title defence with a hard-fought 29-24 bonus-point victory over a fiesty Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.
Thibault Flament, Thomas Ramos and Matthieu Jalibert also got on the scoresheet for the Grand Slam champions, while Ange Capuozzo dotted down for Italy and Tommaso Allan added four penalties.
The visitors were dealt a second-half scare when Charles Ollivon was sent to the sin bin and Italy were awarded a penalty try, at one point taking a second-half lead through Allan.
Les Bleus fended off the threat and will look to extend their winning streak to 15 when they travel to Ireland next weekend.
Relive all the action from Italy vs France below:
TRY! Italy 24-29 FRANCE (Matthieu Jalibert try, 67 minutes)
Clinical from France! Just like that, the visitors score and lead.
Lovely rugby. Gael Fickou is taken high but intelligently releases as he hits the deck, enabling him to regain his feet and go again.
The Italian defence scrambles but is undone by two offloads, first Charles Ollivon on to Romain Taofifenua and then the replacement second row to Matthieu Jalibert after drawing three to his hulking frame.
A superb take and offload from Taofifenua, a nifty step past the last defender from Jalibert and the conversion means France lead by five.
Italy 24-22 France, 66 minutes
Another penalty against Italy, this time at the maul. Jalibert punts France down into the Italian 22.
Edoardo Padovani, match winner in Cardiff last year of course, replaces Pierre Bruno. Defensive duties for the back three veteran for now.
Italy 24-22 France, 65 minutes
Space on the left now for Italy. Can they find it? Not quite! A low pass to Pierre Bruno and the stooping wing can’t clutch it at his shins.
Italy are then penalised for killing the ball. France penalty.
Another change for the visitors from a stony-faced Fabien Galthie - Romain Ntamack off, Matthieu Jalibert on. Manuel Zuliani replaces Sebastian Negri in the Italian back row.
Italy 24-22 France, 64 minutes
Free kick to Italy and off they go, ball spreading quickly to the right and into the hands of Ange Capuozzo. No time for daring, poked intelligently ahead for his chasers.
Damian Penaud gets back to cover and clear but Italy throw the lineout immediately!
Italy 24-22 France, 62 minutes
France’s bench are tasked with making an impact - Gaetan Barlot replaces Julien Marchand and Sekou Macalou is on in the back row, too.
A Stephen Varney box kick bounces favourably for Italy after Thomas Ramos misjudges the flight. Knocked on from French hands - Italy scrum six metres inside their own half.
PENALTY! ITALY 24-22 France (Tommaso Allan penalty, 62 minutes)
It’s there. Italy lead France with 18 minutes left.
Italy 21-22 France, 60 minutes
An offside penalty to Italy, eminently kickable. Charles Ollivon is about to return but he may do so with his side in arrears...
Italy 21-22 France, 60 minutes
Oh dear. Italy win the lineout this time but a pod of forwards get in a muddle, Danilo Fischetti looking aghast as he knocks on Stephen Varney’s pass.
Italy 21-22 France, 58 minutes
Giacomo Nicotera is having a strong ten minutes. He anchors over the top in ideal jackal position, earning both ball and a penalty for his efforts.
Lorenzo Cannone threatens to rampage right up the centre of the French defensive line but is just about halted. Back for the penalty, which is kicked up the right touchline.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments