France racked up a record 73-24 victory over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday to go second behind pacesetters Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations championships.
Seeking redemption after an error-strewn defeat to England on 8 February, Fabien Galthié's men ran in four tries before the half hour mark.
“We were able to keep the intensity for 80 minutes which is not easy against this Italy team, so we can be proud,” said France captain Antoine Dupont.
“When we had the chance to score the tries against England we made mistakes. Today, it was better."
Italy suggested a contest with the first try of the afternoon from Tommaso Menoncello. France replied when lock Mickael Guillard smashed his way through.
Tommaso Allan kicked Italy ahead 10-7 but France touched down twice in three minutes. Hooker Peato Mauvaka was driven over the line then Dupont set up up wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Italy closed to within four points when Juan Ignacio Brex finished an Ange Capuozzo counterattack in the end-to-end action but France led 35-17 by half-time after flanker Paul Boudehent and Léo Barré barged through for tries.
Ascendance
The second-half was one-way traffic as Galthié reshuffled his forwards to grind the hosts down.
“They managed to exploit every little mistake we made, they really took everything,” said Italy skipper Michele Lamaro.
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