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:
Italy vs France LIVE
- France make Six Nations statement with thrashing of Italy
- TRY! France 0-7 ITALY (Tommaso Menconcello, 11 minutes)
- TRY! FRANCE 14-10 Italy (Mickael Guillard, 22 minutes)
- TRY! Italy 17-28 FRANCE (Paul Boudehent, 32 minutes)
- TRY! Italy 17-35 FRANCE (Leo Barre, 40 minutes)
- TRY! Italy 17-47 FRANCE (Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 51 minutes)
- FULL TIME! Italy 24-73 France
France deliver Six Nations statement in 11-try thrashing of Italy
17:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly 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
FULL TIME! Italy 24-73 France
16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Italy 24-73 France 80 minutes
16:49 , Michael CookeSome 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
16:45 , Michael CookeFrance 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
16:41 , Michael CookeSo 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
16:37 , Michael CookeItaly 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
16:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleFrance have played some scintillating rugby as they race towards a massive win:
Louis Bielle-Biarrey - The coolest man on the planet 🧊
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) February 23, 2025
France enjoying themselves in Rome!#GuinnessM6N | #ITAvFRA pic.twitter.com/OBKktU9dp3
Italy 24-61 France, 66 minutes
16:32 , Michael CookeTry 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
16:27 , Michael CookeThe 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
Italy 17-54 France 60 minutes
16:26 , Michael CookeA fabulous break and Italy race into the French half. A penalty ends up going their way and they have a chance to get more points on the board, scrum in the french 22
Italy 17-54 France 58 minutes
16:24 , Michael CookeItalian attack becoming increasingly loose, attempting anything to break this French defence. They have a scrum on half way for their efforts
Italy 17-54 France, 57 minutes
16:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Italy 17-54 France 56 minutes
16:21 , Michael CookeThe handling is just delicious. Louis Bielle-Biarrey with a one handed catch and offload in field which allows the French attack to keep its explosive pace. France with good field position once again
Italy 17-54 France 54 minutes
16:19 , Michael CookeThat man again: Antione Dupont crosses for a try once again as the captain drives his side on.
Italy 17-47 France 53 minutes
16:17 , Michael CookeFrench scum is solid with the pack being replenished with fresh bodies, France on the attack again, making ground on every carry
Italy 17-47 France 52 minutes
16:16 , Michael CookeConversion missed and Italy now have a chance to reset and attempt to dull the French onslaught. They try to move the ball wide but they force a knock on
Italy 17-47 France 51 minutes
16:15 , Michael CookeTry! Louis Bielle-Biarrey crosses the line after a sensational offload from Attisogbe, Ramos will attempt to increase his tally once again
Italy 17-42 France 50 minutes
16:13 , Michael CookeSebastian Negri leaves the field carrying an injury, a blow for Italy as one of their best ball carriers is forced to go off
Italy 17-42 France 48 minutes
16:11 , Michael CookeFree flowing attack from France in this game, offloading and electric carving runs. Dupoint strikes it downfield and Italy are under immense pressure. They survive and eventually exit their half
Italy 17-42 France 45 minutes
16:09 , Michael CookeTry France: Gregory Alldritt crosses from a powerful maul, and Thomas Ramos increases his own personal tally and perfect kicking record in this game
Italy 17-35 France 43 minutes
16:07 , Michael CookeFrance are awarded a penalty after some extended phases of play, they opt to increase their tally and kick to the corner
Italy 17-35 France, 42 minutes
16:05 , Michael CookeAnd we’re off: Paolo Garbisi starts us off in this second half, France currently sitting with a bonus point and Italy with two tries of their own
HT: Italy 17-35 France
15:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleRip-roaring stuff in Rome, both sides trading tries in one of the most entertaining, open Six Nations halves I can remember. Italy came to play and showed their intentions from the off, but France have cracked them open all too easily to surge into a sizeable advantage at the interval. One fancies that’s not the end of the scoring, though...
FRANCE RESPOND, AGAIN!
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) February 23, 2025
Paul Boudehent boulders over this time to earn France the bonus-point 🪨
A frantic opening half an hour 😅#GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/86nBrroHNu
HALF TIME: Italy 17-35 France
15:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
TRY! Italy 17-35 FRANCE (Leo Barre, 40 minutes)
15:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd there’s the fifth! Another assist for Antoine Dupont, drawing the defence to him and then freeing the arms as he takes contact. Leo Barre, the long-striding full-back, dots down.
Italy 17-28 France, 38 minutes
15:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere come France, though, Italy just seemingly incapable of preventing them getting over the gainline. Gregory Alldritt rumbles into the 22.
Italy 17-28 France, 37 minutes
15:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo nearly! Lorenzo Cannone takes an offload and strides up the centre, pivoting as he passes but not quite able to connect with a teammate who might just have cantered beneath the sticks.
Italy 17-28 France, 36 minutes
15:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleAntoine Dupont settles things down with a couple of high hoists, but opposite number Martin Page-Relo is feeling friskier, jinking past a chaser as he counter-attacks.
What a fend! Gianmarco Lucchesi puts the enormous Uini Atonio on the deck as he bursts into space.
Italy 17-28 France, 33 minutes
15:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleSome good fluency in phase play from Italy again, stressing the edges of the French defence. The visitors eventually regain their structure and force a kick, which has been a relative rarity in this hectic half-hour.
TRY! Italy 17-28 FRANCE (Paul Boudehent, 32 minutes)
15:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd there it is! Antoine Dupont keeps his side ticking over, picking the right runners with Italy unable to slow their ball.
Paul Boudehent provides the telling bit of biff, bending back a would-be tackler and bashing to the line. Thomas Ramos adds the extras.
Italy 17-21 France, 29 minutes
15:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleWill this game ever settle down? France break free again and are on the hunt for a bonus point score...
France 21-17 Italy 27 minutes
15:35 , Michael CookeWhat a game and what a contest. Italy take no time at all to respond with a try of their own with Juan rex running under the posts. Allan scores the conversion to add to his own personal tally. An entertaining first half for viewers
France 21-10 Italy 25 minutes
15:33 , Michael CookeThomas Ramos makes no mistake with the conversion, Italy will need to respond with points of their own to stay in this half
France 19-10 Italy 24 minutes
15:32 , Michael CookeTry France! Antoine Dupont the French captain capitalising on a great break from Leo Barre and France extend their lead, their attack looking dangerous in this first half
France 14-10 Italy 23 minutes
15:30 , Michael CookeThomas Ramos expertly kicks the conversion from the touchline and France extend their lead. Italy restart and France take no time in exiting their half
TRY! FRANCE 14-10 Italy (Peato Mauvaka, 22 minutes)
15:28 , Michael CookeBreak in play currently with an Italian player receiving treatment, Menoncello seemingly ok as he returns to his feet.
And over France go! A meaty maul from the lineout that comes from a penalty 5 metres out, and Peato Mauvaka is the buried beneficiary.
France 7-10 Italy 20 minutes
15:26 , Michael CookeFrench advantage and an Italian player down, France do cross the try line but Carl Dickson the referee brings it back for the original penalty
France 7-10 Italy 19 minutes
15:25 , Michael CookeFrance are quick to get back on the attack with a lineout in the Italian half, Antoine Dupont steering his team around the pitch. France are held up over the try line and have a scrum on the Italian 5 meter line.
France 7-10 Italy 17 minutes
15:23 , Michael CookeTommaso Allan opts for another attempt at kicking a penalty goal and is successful from 40m. Italy ahead once again
France 7-7 Italy 16 minutes
15:22 , Michael CookeItaly playing some great rugby, French defence having to answer a lot of questions. Penalty Italy on the French 40m line for tackling off the ball
TRY! FRANCE 7-7 Italy (Mickael Guillard, 14 minutes)
15:20 , Michael CookeTry for France! There’s a suspicion of a knock on from Antoine Dupont in the build-up, but the officials are happy, and Italy lose their shape as they protest. Through pile the French forwards with Mickael Guillard eventually notching his first Test try, and France are level as Ramos easily adds the conversion.
France with an INSTANT response 😤
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) February 23, 2025
Despite Dupont's bobble, Mickaël Guillard storms through to level the scores 👀#GuinnessM6N | #ITAvFRA pic.twitter.com/4Yoamgxkmc
France 0-7 Italy 13 minutes
15:19 , Michael CookeFrance are quick to respond with direct carries from a lineout, they move up the field playing hard and direct rugby. An early show of dominance from Italy being responded to well by France
TRY! France 0-7 ITALY (Tommaso Menoncello, 11 minutes)
15:17 , Michael CookeTry Italy! Tommaso Menoncello slices through French defence from a clever scrum move, Italy go ahead with the first try of the day, Allan adds the extras.
France 0-0 10 minutes
15:15 , Michael CookeTry disallowed because of a forward pass, score-line remains 0-0. Scrum to Italy on the French 40m line
France 0-0 Italy 10 minutes
15:14 , Michael CookeFrance in possession in their half, a superb kick down the touchline and France regather, they run it under the posts from halfway, try scorer Leo Barre
France 0-0 Italy 8 minutes
15:13 , Michael CookeAllan pushes the kick wide and France send the ball down field.
France 0-0 Italy 8 minutes
15:12 , Michael CookeItalian lineout on halfway, good hard carry and Italy gain the penalty from their possession. Tommaso Allan chooses to take points from 45m out
France 0-0 Italy 6 minutes
15:10 , Michael CookeItaly opt to run it bravely in their half and do well. They are looking to play an expansive game in the dry Rome weather. Knock on from France in the tackle gives Italy an advantage
France 0-0 Italy 5 minutes
15:09 , Michael CookeItaly fight hard for the turnover after some early defensive efforts, good breakdown work see’s them awarded a scrum in their 22. A good chance to relieve pressure and shift momentum
France 0-0 Italy 3 minutes
15:07 , Michael CookeFrance once again moving the ball wide and looking dangerous, they are camped in the Italian 22. 6 phases played already and Italy hanging on
France 0-0 Italy 1 minutes
15:05 , Michael CookeEarly penalty for France and they opt to kick to the corner, they have an attacking platform to apply pressure on the Italian goal line. Scrappy play see’s a turnover and Italy clear their lines
France 0-0 Italy 0 minutes
15:04 , Michael CookeThomas Ramos the flyhalf for France kicks us off in Rome, no doubt a fast and physical encounter to come
KICK OFF!
15:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe are underway in Rome!
Italy vs France
15:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly great Sergio Parisse delivers the match ball, the nation’s finest ever player getting the rousing reception he deserves. A lovely moment for his two young kids, who seem rather less comfortable with the roars of the Stadio Olimpico crowd.
Italy vs France match officials
14:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Karl Dickson (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Craig Evans (Wal) & Eoghan Cross (Ire)
Television Match Official: Ben Whitehouse (Wal)
Foul Play Review Officer: Mike Adamson (Sco)
Italy vs France referee: Who is Six Nations official Karl Dickson?
Italy vs France
14:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere appears to have been a late injury scare for France, Uini Atonio seemingly hurting a calf. No confirmed news of any change just yet - Dorian Aldegheri would presumably start, with Georges-Henri Colombe perhaps returning to the 23 having featured off the bench in rounds one and two.
Italy captain Michele Lamaro confident hosts can cope with French strength
14:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt will be a mighty challenge for Italy to deal with the French forward strength, but the Azzurri matched Fabien Galthie’s side in Lille last year, swelling in size with Michele Lamaro, Ross Vintcent and Niccolo Cannone among those producing big performances.
"Last year we realised that we can cause them problems especially in some areas, the way we remained attached to the score, with a second half in which we dominated them physically too,” Lamaro recalled this week. “Today it will be a battle up front, they have 7 forwards on the bench and I'm sure that in the first 20 minutes they will want to put us under pressure like never before and this will have to be faced without arrogance. We play at the Olimpico and this is our home and no one comes here to attack us.”
Fabien Galthie axes Damian Penaud
14:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is a real surprise to see Damian Penaud left out for France today, the wing just one try short of Serge Blanco’s record Test tally for the nation. Theo Attissogbe went well on the opening night against Wales, but it still feels curious for a player of Penaud’s attacking talents to be omitted, even if rumours that he has been challenged to improve his defensive efforts are true.
"There are times when you have to make choices, you have to arbitrate between different possibilities,” Fabien Galthie explained on Friday. “Our vision is focused on the match and the long term."
"I spent two hours with Damian on Tuesday at the end of the afternoon, talking, listening to him, sharing. We absolutely have to be in harmony even if I understand that it is never easy for a competitor, for a champion, to accept, to take in the decision."
Italy hooker Giacomo Nicotera targets statement success
14:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleGiacomo Nicotera says that Italy are intent on ensuring that their win over Wales is not the sole success of the campaign, insisting that the Azzurri have to beat a better team to show their progress.
"We can't say 'we've beaten Wales, that's it.' The objective is to beat a team that is better than Wales," Nicotera stressed.
"Last year was great, the best Six Nations Italy has had, and we want to improve on it.
"We know if we don't keep improving then everyone will say last year was a fluke, or coincidence. We are on the right path and growing lots."
France opt for bold Springboks-style tactic
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleA seven/one bench? It’s very Rassie Erasmus from Fabien Galthie, trusting in the versatility of his backs to cover if injury strikes and giving his bench real punch.
France opt for bold Springboks-style tactic as Damian Penaud dropped for Italy clash
Team news - France
14:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleFabien Galthie swings the selection scythe after France’s Twickenham misstep, with fly half Matthieu Jalibert and wing Damian Penaud eye-catching omissions. Thomas Ramos wears 10 as Leo Barre and Theo Attissogbe come in to the back three, while there is a new lock combination: a fit-again Thibaud Flament unites with Mickael Guillard in the absence of an ill Emmanuel Meafou.
The bench is bulky, even by French standards, as Galthie selects a Springbok-style seven forwards/one back bench split.
France XV: 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio; 4 Thibaud Flament, 5 Mickael Guillard; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Paul Boudehent, 8 Gregory Alldritt; 9 Antoine Dupont, 10 Thomas Ramos; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Yoram Moefana, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 14 Theo Attissogbe; 15 Leo Barre.
Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyrill Baille, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Alexandre Roumat, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Anthony Jelonch; 23 Maxime Lucu.
🇫🇷 Les 23 joueurs qui défendront le maillot du #XVdeFrance dimanche à Rome 🐓 #ITAFRA #NeFaisonsXV pic.twitter.com/shthngKDcm
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 21, 2025
Team news - Italy
14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleMonty Ioane is ruled out with injury for Italy, with Simone Gesi brought in on the wing. Gianmarco Lucchesi and Giacomo Nicotera swap spots in the hooker pecking order in the only other change to the starting side, but Mirco Spagnolo, Giosue Zilocchi and Riccardo Favretto are all brought on to the bench.
Italy XV: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 3 Simone Ferrari; 4 Niccolo Cannone, 5 Federico Ruzza; 6 Sebastian Negri, 7 Michele Lamaro (capt.), 8 Lorenzo Cannone; 9 Martin Page-Relo, 10 Paolo Garbisi; 11 Simone Gesi, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 14 Ange Capuozzo; 15 Tommaso Allan.
Replacements: 16 Giacomo Nicotera, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Giosue Zilocchi, 19 Riccardo Favretto, 20 Manuel Zuliani, 21 Ross Vintcent; 22 Alessandro Garbisi, 23 Jacopo Trulla.
Il XV scelto dal CT Gonzalo #Quesada per l'esordio di #Italrugby nel @sixnationsrugby 2025 👇#ITAvFRA 🇮🇹🇫🇷
— Italrugby (@Federugby) February 21, 2025
🗓️ Domenica 23 Febbraio
⏰ 16:00
🏟️ Stadio Olimpico di Roma
📺 @SkySport▪@RaiDue▪ @NOWTV_It▪ @RaiPlay pic.twitter.com/vPpUiXZYHI
Fabien Galthie explains challenges Italy will pose
13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly really were uber impressive in this fixture last year. They have a habit of producing their best against France, and Fabien Galthie is all too aware of the issues they may pose.
"Since Gonzalo Quesada's arrival, Italy have been a very combative team which fights for every ball in attack and defence," Galthie said.
"They get bodies around the ball. That caused us huge problems in Lille and causes problems for all their opponents."
Michele Lamaro urges Italy to make Stadio Olimpico their 'fortress'
13:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly captain Michele Lamaro has laid down the gauntlet to France today, urging his side to make the Stadio Olimpico their fortress.
“We certainly took some pressure off ourselves with the victory over Wales, but we want to take advantage of the opportunities we have, at home and at Twickenham, which means showing that we can put in a strong performance,” Lamaro said. “We have two matches in Rome and we want to show that the Olimpico is our fortress and that we don't give anything away to anyone.”
Tommy Freeman reacts to controversial Calcutta Cup try
13:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleDid Tommy Freeman manage to ground England’s only try? The officials quickly concluded yes, but the footage appeared inconclusive. The wing wasn’t exactly emphatic when asked about it post-match, either:
Tommy Freeman reacts to controversial try in England’s Calcutta Cup win
Scotland did not deserve to lose to England — but Calcutta Cup pain conceals tough Six Nations truth
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was a difficult evening for Finn Russell and Scotland, so close yet so far and facing another Six Nations campaign without a true title challenge. Is Gregor Townsend safe in his role? There are some tough questions for the head coach now...
Scotland did not deserve to lose Calcutta Cup — but pain conceals tough truth
England’s luck finally turns to end Calcutta Cup misery as Finn Russell suffers late agony
12:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleAt Twickenham, meanwhile, Scotland made all of the running but England emerged on top - Luke Baker watched on as the hosts found a way.
England’s luck turns to end Calcutta Cup misery as Finn Russell suffers late agony
Garry Ringrose red card: Why was the Ireland centre sent off against Wales in the Six Nations?
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat red card for Garry Ringrose was not a sanction that all agreed with - but assessing the high tackle framework, it’s straightforward to see why the centre was dismissed by referee Christophe Ridley:
Why was Garry Ringrose given a red card against Wales in the Six Nations?
Simon Easterby hails Ireland’s mentality in Wales to keep Grand Slam dream alive
12:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleSimon Easterby praised Ireland’s mentality for “digging ourselves out of a hole” to overcome Wales in the Six Nations and keep their Grand Slam dream alive.
Ireland started as massive favourites in Cardiff to inflict a 15th-successive defeat on Wales following the departure of their head coach Warren Gatland.
But, having lost centre Garry Ringrose to a 20-minute red card midway through the second quarter, Ireland found themselves 18-10 adrift before rallying in the closing stages to triumph 27-18 and win an eighth Triple Crown in the Six Nations era.
Simon Easterby hails Ireland’s mentality in Wales to keep Grand Slam dream alive
Yesterday's action...
12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleLet’s reflect first on the highs and lows of yesterday, with plenty to dig into. In Cardiff, things were rather tougher for Ireland than some might have expected, with a sparky Wales coming close to a mighty shock but the champions eventually finding a way...
Wales show spark in new era but Ireland stay on track for Six Nations grand slam
Italy vs France LIVE
07:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleHello and welcome along to LIVE coverage of part three of this middle Six Nations weekend, Italy and France looking to follow along after two proper thrillers yesterday in Cardiff and Twickenham. These two delivered the goods last year, a Paolo Garbisi miss all that prevented Italy from a famous win over their foes - can they produce something similar in Rome?
Kick off is at 3pm GMT.
