Italy stun France with historic Six Nations rugby win

The Italians won by 23 points to 18 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome.

Historically the Italians have struggled to convert their pressure in Six Nations competitions into points. Going into the game Italy had won just once in 13 Six Nations encounters against the French.

In total the French had scored 487 Six Nations points against the Italians going into the game, and conceded 192.

First half

Italy got off to a promising start when Luciano Orquera found captain Sergio Parisse as the Azzurri broke through the French defence. Parisse, playing at number eight, crossed the line for the try in the first five minutes of the game. The points were duly converted by Orquera.

The French responded rapidly, with number eight Louis Picamoles powering through Parisse to score. However, as the points were not converted, Italy remained in the lead.

Orquera then extended the Italian lead on the 14th minute with a drop goal. Four minutes later he added a further three points with a penalty kick.

The French began to look more threatening and a period of sustained pressure saw the forwards stumble over the line. However, the mass of bodies meant whether or not the ball had been grounded could not be determined – and the try was not awarded. Continued pressure from the French led to a penalty which Frederic Michalak claimed.

The French crossed the line for the second time in the 33rd minute – blind side winger Benjamin Fall (pictured, below) breaking through the Italian defence and sprinting in to score next to the posts. Michalak then converted the points to bring the French into the lead for the first time in the game.

In the dying minutes of the first half the game began to open up, with both teams threatneing to score. Wesley Fofana skipped through two tackles in the 37th minute and looked destined to score – but the pass he released failed to find its man and was knocked on.

Second half

The first points of the second half came after ten minutes, off the boot of Michalak who scored a 40-metre penalty. French pressure almost led to a try minutes later, but the Italians turned the pressure to their advantage – claiming the ball and breaking down the left wing.

The French slowed the game down, but the pressure from the Italians was too strong, and veteran prop Castro Giovanni burst over the line for the try – bringing the score to 18 points a piece.

Wow wow wow!! What a great Italian win! Brilliant start to the 6 Nations!! Take a bow @sergioparisse #6nations

— Will Carling (@willcarling) February 3, 2013

Orquera then converted the try – restoring the Italian lead with 22 minutes of play left in the game.

The Italians maintained their consistency and managed to extend their lead, in the 68th minute, with a drop goal from John Burton. This five points difference meant the French would need a converted try or two penalities to win the game.

The French pressured heavily in the closing minutes of the game and were awarded a penalty with 90 seconds of the game left. With an Italian front row forward sent off, the French opted for the scrum. However, the Italians held out to win.