France go to top with 35-22 win over Italy

France 35-22 Italy, Stade de France
Scorecard

France successfully overcame a challenge from Italy as they maintained their winning start in the ongoing Six Nations with a 35-22 victory over Italy in Paris.

This is France's second win in two rounds as they defeated England in the opening game that has taken them to the top position in the Six Nations table with nine points while Italy's losing streak in the competition continues with their last victory coming way back in 2015.

Romain Ntamack kicked the proceedings with a third minute penalty goal following which winger Teddy Thomas raced his way over the line in the seventh minute for an unconverted try to make the scoreline 8-0.

Charles Ollivon soon helped Les Bleus score their second try when he dived from short range in the 18th minute as the hosts increased their lead to 13 points.

Italy finally managed a breakthrough in the 24th minute when Jake Polledri created the gap for Matteo Minozzi to dot down while Tommaso Allan kicked the conversion and a penalty to make it 13-10.

Ntamack with a 32nd minute penalty goal stretched France's lead to six points and it became 13 at the end of the first half when a pass from Antoine Dupont allowed Gregory Alldritt to dive over the line and Ntamack kicked the extras.

The third quarter almost went without a point before France managed to hold on to the bonus point when Ntamack went past Italy's defence to stroll over the line making it 28-10. Italy's hope of breaking their Six Nations drought increased when they managed their second try through Federico Zani in the 65th minute but his efforts were cancelled by Baptiste Serin's try with seven minutes left in the game.

Italy had a consolation try in the end when Mattia Bellini made most of Jayden Hayward's break but France would be delighted to keep their winning streak with a 13 point victory.