Italy 24-73 France: Les Bleus demolish Italians with record Six Nations score to keep the pressure up on Ireland
- France scored 11 tries in a ruthless victory in Rome on Sunday afternoon
- Antoine Dupont led the French to an overwhelming 73-24 rout of hosts Italy
- They bounced back in style from their one-point loss to England last time out
Antoine Dupont set his sights on a Six Nations humdinger with Ireland after France’s iconic captain produced his latest masterclass in an 11-try hammering of Italy.
Dupont scored twice as the Azzurri were put to the sword in Rome. It was a fine way for Les Bleus to bounce back from their disappointing round-two defeat by England.
France’s next game is in Dublin, where they will have the chance to derail Ireland’s Grand Slam bid and keep their own Championship hopes alive.
‘There were a lot of good things in the game against England but when we had to score the tries, we made a lot of mistakes. Today was a lot better,’ Dupont said.
‘We were able to keep the intensity for 80 minutes. It’s difficult to do that against a team like Italy, so we can be proud.
‘We know it will be a huge game in Dublin. It will be the main game for us.
Captain Antoine Dupont led France to an overwhelming 73-24 rout of hosts Italy
Dupont was at his imperious best as he directed matters at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday
Italy opened the try scoring on the day but it turned out to be a miserable day for them
‘It will be tough for sure.’
Against England, France’s wastefulness cost them dear as they somehow contrived to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Twickenham.
Italy felt the pain of that frustration as they were torn to bits. Young France full-back Leo Barre, 22, stood out alongside Dupont and also grabbed a brace.
