Italy 24 France 29 – Six Nations 2023 LIVE RESULT: Champs France overcome Italy battle to kick off defence with a win
FRANCE kicked off their Six Nations defence with a 29-24 win over Italy in Rome - but they were made to work for it.
In the end the champions held on to secure to the victory but were given an almighty scare.
- Result: Italy 24 France 29
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Italy 14-19 France
42. France start the half on the front foot.
Winning a line-out deep in Italian territory.
The big French pack drive forward.
Kick-off: Italy 14-19 France
We are underway again in Rome.
France will feel they have a point to prove in this half.
Italy will be looking for more of the same, minus the handling errors.
HT: Italy 14-19 France
We are almost ready for the second half, we can only hope for the same sort of action from the first.
The fans are certainly enjoying this one.
Italian support did not expect to still be in this one.
Credit: Reuters
HT: Italy 14-19 France
That was a good half of rugby for the home fans.
There were moments that is looked like they were going to watch France's world domination continue but the dogged Italian side are not letting the visitors run away with this.
France be warned, the Italians are up for this and with a full-back like Capuozzo, anything is possible.
HT: Italy 14-19 France
The ball sails through the posts to see us into the interval.
Italy will take that, adding more points before the break.
Despite French dominance in that half, Italy have managed to keep themselves in this game.
Penalty - Tommaso Allan (Italy)
Italy 11-19 France
40. Italy utilise a penalty to find touch right in the corner.
France are pinned back onto their own line.
The stout French defence pushes them back but the Italians are still knocking on the door.
Credit: Reuters Italy 11-19 France
38. The referee has a word with the French as he is not happy with their encroaching from the line-out.
He repeatedly tells them he wants a one metre gap between the two teams.
Italy win the line-out and manage to clear the ball to halfway.
Italy 11-19 France
36. For all the talk of the class of this French team, there are few teams full-back Capuozzo would not get into.
That was his sixth try in eight appearances for the Italians.
France continue with their slick play, handing the ball off as soon as they feel the impact of the tackle.
Italy 11-19 France
34. Capuozzo definitely has not read the scripts here.
A great take of the high kick and he manages to worm his way into the French corner.
Allan pushes the conversion wide.
Try - Ange Capuozzo (Italy)
Italy 6-19 France
32. As Italy attack with a penalty advantage, they try a crossfield kick themselves.
Very different from the French effort as it heads straight into touch.
Not everyone can have the skills of Dupont to call upon.
Credit: Reuters Italy 6-19 France
30. Italy push forward looking to put France under some pressure.
The big risk is them being caught on the counter by the visitors.
Italy are awarded a penalty as France come in from an offside position.
Italy 6-19 France
28. Brilliant play once again by Dupont.
His crossfield kick is caught by Dumortier who scores a debut try.
Ramos duly converts to extend France's lead.
Try - Ethan Dumortier (France)
Italy 6-12 France
26. France are driving towards the Italian line.
They have a penalty advantage on their side also.
Italy guilty of a neck roll in the build-up.
Italy 6-12 France
24. The pressure from Italy in the French twenty-two wins them another penalty.
Points on the board are what count right now.
Immediately France come straight down the other end, almost adding another try.
Penalty - Tommaso Allan (Italy)
Italy 3-12 France
22. Italy are really struggling with the open French attacking play.
Their best chance of defence in this game may be attack.
So far, it is the only time France do not look like scoring themselves.
Italy 3-12 France
20. Dupont puts Capuozzo under pressure as he tries to catch the high kick but fumbles.
Ramos comes in to score one of the easiest tries he may do in his career.
He pushes the conversion wide of the posts however.
Credit: Reuters Try - Thomas Ramos (France)
Italy 3-7 France
18. Italy are having to dig in to keep the French at bay.
They really are a great team to watch with flowing open wing play.
On this occasion they are awarded a penalty as Italy turn the scrum.
Italy 3-7 France
16. France thought they had added another try through Ollivon.
However, the TMO review shows he drops the ball rather than grounding it.
Sigh of relief from the hosts.
Italy 3-7 France
14. Italy manage to claw some points back.
That may have just rattled the cage of the French.
Game on.
Penalty - Tommaso Allan (Italy)