Italy v France Match Reports
Italy beat France for a second time in the Six Nations in a thrilling match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Tries from Sergio Parisse and Martin Castrogiovanni, plus a staunch defence in the final minutes, were enough to give the hosts a memorable 23-18 win to go with their 2011 victory. A selection of match reports is listed below:
- BBC: Six Nations: Italy 23-18 France
- Guardian: Italy wreck France's grand slam hopes with stunning Six Nations win
- Independent: Italy shock Six Nations favourites France in Rome
- Telegraph: Italy 23 France 18: match report
- Daily Mail: Hosts survive French fightback to take surprise Six Nations victory
- Sky Sports: Six Nations: Italy beat tournament favourites France in opener
- ESPN: Italy record famous win over France
- RBS 6 Nations: Orquera leads Italy to stunning success in Rome
Italy v France Match Highlights
Italy v France Match Statistics
Italy (13) 23
Tries: Parisse, Castrogiovanni
Conversions: Orquera (2)
Penalties: Orquera
Drop-goals: Orquera, Burton
France (15) 18
Tries: Picamoles, Fall
Conversions: Michalak
Penalties: Michalak (2)
Man of the Match: Luciano Orquera (Italy)
Italy Team Line-up
Forwards
- 1. Lo Cicero
- 2. Ghiraldini
- 3. Castrogiovanni
- 4. Geldenhuys
- 5. Minto
- 6. Zanni
- 7. Favaro
- 8. Parisse (Captain)
Backs
- 9. Botes
- 10. Orquera
- 11. McLean
- 12. Sgarbi
- 13. Benvenuti
- 14. Venditti
- 15. Masi
Replacements
- 16. Giazzon
- 17. De Marchi
- 18. Cittadini
- 19. Pavanello
- 20. Derbyshire
- 21. Gori
- 22. Burton
- 23. G Canale
France Team Line-up
Forwards
- 1. Forestier
- 2. Szarzewski
- 3. Mas
- 4. Pape (Captain)
- 5. Maestri
- 6. Ouedraogo
- 7. Dusautoir
- 8. Picamoles
Backs
- 9. Machenaud
- 10. Michalak
- 11. Fall
- 12. Mermoz
- 13. Fritz
- 14. Fofana
- 15. Huget
Replacements
- 16. Kayser
- 17. Debaty
- 18. Ducalcon
- 19. Taofifenua
- 20. Chouly
- 21. Parra
- 22. Trinh-Duc
- 23. Bastareaud