Italy shock lacklustre France

Italy has once again overcome the French with a 23-18 win in the two sides’ Six Nations opener in Rome on Sunday.

Italy previously trumped France  22-21 in a tightly contested match at Stadio Flaminio in Rome.

Italy struck first, when flyhalf Luciano Orquera cut through the defense and distributed to captain Sergio Parisse outside him, which gave the big number 8 enough space to get over the tryline.

The visitors hit back shortly after with their own battering ram, Louis Picamoles, as the big Toulouse forward crashed over the Italian line.

Orquera, who was consistently building momentum since his opening break, added another 3 points thanks to a well-executed drop goal.

After a disallowed try, the French finally found their feet and stringed together a strong counter-attack which saw some quick offloads allow Benjamin Fall to speed away under the posts.

The French led after half time, but Orquera made another significant contribution, as the Italian playmaker made a quick break and offloaded to Martin Castrogiovanni to steamrolled over to the roar of the Italian crowd.

Substitute flyhalf Chris Burton pushed over another drop-goal, which allowed for a 5 point lead, although it was far from secure breathing room.

The French through a post 80-minute onslaught at the Italians, although the Azzuri managed to hold out Les Bleu.

Final Score Italy 23 (13) France 18 (15)

Scorers

Italy 
Tries – Parisse, Castrogiovanni
Pen – Orquera
Con – Orquera 2
Drop – Orquera , Burton

France
Tries – Picamoles, Fall
Pen – Michalak 2
Con – Michalak

– Jeremy Proome