Lille, France – A dominant performance from Les Bleus saw them defeat Italy 33-8 on Sunday at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, strengthening their grip on a potential Six Nations Grand Slam. The victory, secured in front of a fervent home crowd, marks France’s third consecutive win in the tournament.
The match began with immediate intent from the hosts. Just four minutes in, Antoine Dupont ignited the attack, setting up Louis Bielle-Biarrey for the opening try. Dupont’s clever kick and Bielle-Biarrey’s pace proved too much for the Italian defense. The score was particularly notable as it marked Bielle-Biarrey’s eighth consecutive Six Nations match with a try – a new record for the French winger.
France continued to apply pressure, and in the 15th minute, Emmanuel Meafou powered over for the second try of the afternoon. A series of incisive phases of play allowed the French to penetrate the Italian 22, culminating in Meafou’s forceful finish.
The French extended their lead before the half-hour mark. Emilien Gailleton broke through the Italian defensive line, embarking on a 70-meter run before offloading to Thomas Ramos, who finished the move to score his side’s third try. This try was significant as it came on Ramos’s 50th international appearance.
Italy responded before halftime with a try from full-back Ange Capuozzo, and a penalty from Paolo Garbisi narrowed the gap to 19-8. However, the French maintained control for much of the remainder of the contest.
The second half saw France continue to dominate territory and possession. While the Italian defense proved resilient for a period, the French eventually broke through again in the 72nd minute. Following a yellow card for Italian winger Louis Lynagh for a deliberate knock-on, Thomas Ramos expertly kicked to the wing, where Gaël Dréan collected the ball to score on his first start for Les Bleus. The bonus point try effectively sealed the victory.
France didn’t stop there. In the 77th minute, Gailleton added his name to the scoresheet, finishing off another well-constructed attack. The French swept the ball wide, allowing Gailleton to power through the Italian defense for a fifth try, demonstrating the team’s attacking versatility.
The win places France in a commanding position in the Six Nations Championship. With three wins from three games, Fabien Galthié’s side are firmly on course for a potential Grand Slam – their first since 2010. The team’s ability to consistently score tries, coupled with a solid defensive foundation, makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.
Italy, despite the defeat, showed periods of spirited resistance. However, they were ultimately unable to contain the French attack, which proved too potent on the day. Gonzalo Quesada’s team will need to regroup and focus on their remaining matches if they are to improve their position in the standings.
The match also highlighted the growing strength in depth within the French squad. The impact of players like Dréan, making his debut, demonstrates the quality of talent available to Galthié. The ability to bring fresh legs and attacking impetus from the bench will be crucial as the tournament progresses.
Looking ahead, France will face tough challenges in their remaining matches. However, with their current form and the momentum they have built, they will be confident of continuing their winning run and achieving their goal of a Grand Slam. The victory over Italy serves as a clear statement of intent – France are serious contenders for the Six Nations title this year.
The historical context of this rivalry reveals France’s dominance. As of this match, France has won 47 of the 51 encounters between the two nations, according to historical records. The Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Six Nations match between the two teams since 2007, will remain in French hands.
