Italy 24-29 France

Italy v France Match Reports

France were given a fright as they survived a frantic finish to secure a 29-24 victory over Italy in Rome. The visitors took an early lead when Thibaud Flament charged across the line in the fifth minute. Thomas Ramos and Ethan Dumortier added two further tries in a confident first-half display by the defending champions. Italy stayed in touch – with a try from Ange Capuozzo plus three Tommaso Allan penalty kicks – to trail by 5-points at half-time. After the break, Italy were awarded a penalty try when a rolling maul was brought down short of the line. The home side then took the lead when Allan struck his fourth successful penalty kick. Replacement Matthieu Jalibert restored France's lead with a bonus-point try in the 68th minute. A resurgent Italy pressed hard in the final 10 minutes but couldn't find the crucial breakthough. A selection of match reports is listed below:

• Six Nations Guide: Ethan Dumortier scores try on debut as Six Nations holders France beat Italy
• BBC: France score late try to avoid shock loss in Italy
• Guardian: Edwards relieved after France avoid shock defeat with victory in Italy
• Daily Mail: Visitors get Six Nations campaign off to a winning start in Rome with close victory as Matthieu Jalibert comes on to rescue the defending champions
• Sky Sports: Les Bleus just hold on for Round 1 Six Nations victory after huge scare in Rome
• ESPN: Holders France rally late to edge Italy in Six Nations