France Sets Record with 68-24 Victory Over Italy in Six Nations

France’s Relentless Attack Overpowers Italy at Stadio Olimpico

Italy were blown away by a relentless France team eager to prove a point at the Stadio Olimpico. Following a late defeat to England in round two, France knew they had to respond physically in Rome, and their early encounters with Italy were as bruising as expected. Early shots on the Azzurri’s 22 were thunderous, setting the tone for the match.

Allan Misses, France Close In

Fullback Tommaso Allan, Italy’s top scorer in this year’s Championship, had an early chance to give the Azzurri the lead but missed a relatively straightforward penalty attempt in the eighth minute. Just moments later, France almost scored a sensational length-of-the-field try through Théo Attissogbé, but the TMO ruled out the effort due to a forward pass from fly-half Thomas Ramos.

Italy Strikes First, But France Responds

Italy responded with an electrifying attack as last year’s Guinness Player of the Championship, Tommaso Menoncello, carved through the French defense to score the opening try. Allan converted to put Italy 7-0 up. France soon equalized, however, with Mickael Guillard breaking through Italy’s defense to score their first try, leveling the score at 7-7.

France’s momentum began to show as they scored two quick tries. First, Guillard powered over for his second, and then wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey found Antoine Dupont for a try, putting the French side 21-10 ahead. Italy hit back immediately through Juan Ignacio Brex, but France’s Paul Boudehent, Leo Barre, and Dupont ensured the visitors took control again, with France leading 35-17 at halftime.

France’s Explosive Second Half Continues

The second half saw France continue their dominance. Grégory Alldritt scored off a lineout, and then Bielle-Biarrey and Dupont each bagged tries to extend France’s lead to 54-17. Italy finally broke through with a scrum move, as Garbisi dotted down for their third try, but the scoreline continued to grow with further tries from Bielle-Biarrey and Attissogbé.

France ended the match in style, setting a new Six Nations record with a stunning 68-24 victory. Bielle-Biarrey completed a sensational try-scoring streak, marking his sixth try in six consecutive Tests. As Pierre-Louis Barassi rounded off the scoring with a try, it was clear that France’s attacking display was one of the most breathtaking performances in Six Nations history.

A Performance to Remember

On this form, it’s hard to imagine any team living with Fabien Galthié’s France. Their attacking prowess, clinical finishing, and sheer momentum were too much for Italy to handle. With a record-breaking performance in Rome, France has sent a powerful message to their Six Nations rivals.