France fight back to record vital win in Italy

Women's Six Nations

Italy (21) 21

Tries: Vecchini, Muzzo, Turani Cons: Sillari 3

France (12) 34

Tries: Grisez, Bourgeois, R. Menager, M. Menager, Chambon Cons: Bourgeois 3 Pen: Bourgeois

France survived a first-half mauling by Italy to fight back and pick up a vital 34-21 win in Parma that keeps their 100% record intact in the Six Nations.

France needed a win to keep the pressure up on England - who have a much better points difference and an extra bonus point - before the two sides meet next Saturday at Twickenham.

But they were second best in the opening half, as a hugely impressive Italy stormed to a 21-12 lead that could, and should, have been greater.

The hosts did not manage a point in the second 40 minutes, though, as France responded well to take a win that was only assured when Marine Menager and Alexandra Chambon crossed in the last five minutes.

Italy last beat France in 2019, and fell behind early on when wing Joanna Grisez finished a flowing move in the corner.

But when France lock Madoussou Fall was sent to the bin for a high tackle on Beatrice Veronese, Italy took advantage with a sustained spell of pressure and finished it with hooker Vittoria Vecchini going over from close range.

Wing Aura Muzzo scored at the end of another fine spell to put Italy 14-7 ahead, with the dominant hosts held up on the line three times.

France looked miles off it but reacted well and their first attack for 20 minutes ended with a try, quick ball finding Morgane Bourgeois to score.

Italy bossed the rest of the half though and secured a third try when prop Silvia Turani touched down after a maul. It appeared she had lost control of the ball but the TMO could not find clear evidence to overturn Sara Cox's on-pitch call.

Bourgeois kicked a penalty to start the second-half comeback and Romane Menager put France 22-21 ahead when she dived under the posts.

Two failed kicks from Bourgeois kept it a one-point game until Marine Menager picked up a dropped ball and broke a tackle to score, and replacement Chambon then galloped over in the corner.

Italy: Minuzzi; Muzzo, Sillari, Mannini, D'Inca; Madia, Bitonci; Turani, Vecchini, Seye, Fedrighi, Duca, Veronese, Ranuccini, Giordano (c)

Replacements: Spinelli, Stecca, Maris, Tounesi, Sgorbini, Stefan, Capomaggi, Rigoni

France: Bourgeois; Boulard, M. Menager (c), Vernier, Grisez; Arbez, Bourdon; Brosseau, Bigot, Khalfaoui, M. Feleu, Fall, R. Menager, Okemba, T. Feleu

Replacements: Riffonneau, Mwayembe, Joyeux, Escudero, Berthoumieu, Champon, Chambon, Queyroi

Referee: Sara Cox (England)