Italy 24 – 29 France

Thibaud Flament, Thomas Ramos, Ethan Dumortier, Matthieu Jalibert scored tries for France, while Ange Capuozzo, a penalty try and the boot of Tommaso Allan saw Italy hit back throughout but just fall short at Stadio Olimpico; Italy next face England at Twickenham; France travel to Ireland

Thibaud Flament was one of four France try scorers as they just held on to beat Italy in Rome in Six Nations Round 1

Reigning Six Nations Grand Slam champions France survived an almighty scare away to Italy on Sunday, just holding on to bank a 29-24 Round 1 victory in Rome. 

The first half saw France make the perfect start as lock Thibaud Flament (5), full-back Thomas Ramos (19) and debutant wing Ethan Dumortier (27) each scored tries to leave them 19-6 ahead inside the first half-hour, but Italy hit back before the break.

Italy full-back Ange Capuozzo scored a stunning try in response, before fly-half Tommaso Allan added a further penalty to his opening two efforts to leave the Azzurri within five points.

The second period saw Italy match France for the majority, with a penalty try and yellow card against France flanker Charles Ollivon bringing them within a single point after a Ramos penalty for the visitors.

An Allan penalty put Italy into the lead with 18 minutes to go, but France replacement Matthieu Jalibert came on to score the crucial winner five minutes later.

Italy put France under huge pressure in the time remaining, but just fell short after a brilliant effort.

More to follow…