Guinness Six Nations Tickets: The top five France vs. Italy matchups
If past Guinness Six Nations events are any indication, we’re in for a wonderful treat. Les Bleus have defeated the Azzurri on more occasions than not, yet over the years. Rugby fans worldwide are called to book Six Nations 2024 tickets from our online platform ticketing. co. Rugby fans can book France Vs Italy Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
There have been innumerable close games and thrilling victories for Italy. In light of this, let’s take a look back at five iconic Guinness Six Nations games involving the participating teams. France and Italy have played each other frequently in the Six Nations Championship, with France usually emerging victorious. Les Bleus has always been among the top competitors in the event. And their performance versus Italy has typically reflected their overall status in international rugby.
France 42-31 Italy, Stade de France in 2000: Paris
Italy played in Rugby’s Greatest Championship for the first time in 2000, making the Five Nations into the Sixth Nation. The Azzurri were looking to close their inaugural campaign at the Stade de France with a victory. After losing to Wales, Ireland, and England and winning their opening game against Scotland.
Even though it was only their second victory in the Championship, Italy showed promise in a thrilling nine-try match. They lost that game 42–31 in Paris after letting a 17–10 lead slip due to Walter Cristofoletto’s lack of discipline.
But before he decided to call it quits, departing Italy fly-half Diego Dominguez scored two consolation tries for his country on what was supposed to be his last Test.
Italy 22–21 France, Stadio Flaminio In 2011: Rome
At Stadio Flaminio in Rome, eleven years later, Italy defeated France in their inaugural Six Nations match. In Rugby’s Greatest Championship, the Azzurri were hoping to finally defeat France after testing Ireland and Wales to the breaking point in previous rounds.
After giving up a free kick in the ensuing scrum and failing to score from the kick-off, Dusautoir was called for straying offside, and Bergamasco gave the home team the lead in the second minute. But it was not long before France’s superior class and, more importantly, speed was apparent. Francois Trinh-Duc kicked first at the quarter-hour mark.
Masi attempted to kick clear but was unable to find contact, and although he blocked Yoann Huget, Bergamasco was able to retrieve the ball back in the Italian 22. Though Morgan Parra missed the extras, France stretched it left and Vincent Clerc stepped over Gonzalo Canale, comfortably outpacing him in a footrace to tap down.
Aurelien Rougerie broke through closer to the posts a few moments after Gonzalo Garcia ceased Clerc in the corner, but as he extended his arm to touch down, he missed the ball. However, Italy was penalized in their own scrum, and Parra converted the penalty kick from directly beneath the goalposts. In the twenty-fourth minute, Canale produced a terrific break but was not helped by anyone.
Bergamasco’s simple penalty kick
However, Bergamasco’s simple penalty kick and France’s offside call reduced the deficit to two goals at halftime. Italy blew a fantastic break from Masi early in the second half with a badly timed grubber from Luciano Orquera, and they paid the price when Parra put France ahead 11–6. In the fifty-one-minute, Italy’s resistance seemed to be broken when Parra sent a quick tap ball to Trinh-Duc.
He stepped under two men, went through space, and delivered within for his scrum-half to score under the line. Italy’s chances were not helped by Bergamasco’s two missed penalties that may have been converted soon before the 22nd. But that seemed to spur them on, as Italy quickly went through the phases out on the left, with captain Sergio Parisse breaking the ball out to Fabio Semenzato, who scampered over in the corner.
When Bergamasco eventually connected on a penalty kick from thirty yards out, the hosts were only behind 18–16. Bergamasco scored two more goals, securing Italy’s one-point victory in a thrilling match, despite the agonizing wait for the final whistle.
Italy 23-18 France, Stadio Olimpico in 2013: Rome
Azzurri defeated Les Bleus 23–18 in Stadio Olimpico to earn their second consecutive home victory against France. Italy stunned France with a fantastic all-around effort that completely opened up the Six Nations. Italy, who are typically contenders for the wooden spoon, showed their triumph over the French a few years ago.
It was no accident to play a strong defense and take calculated risks against the World Cup runners-up from 2011. They won, only their third ever against the French, thanks to scores from captain Sergio Parisse and Martin Castrogiovanni, ten points from man-of-the-match Luciano Orquera, and three from substitute Kris Burton.
Classic Italy No. 8 After a masterful counterattack by the hosts, Sergio Parisse passed the whitewash; nevertheless, France’s Louis Picamoles responded with a goal. With thirty minutes remaining in the second half, France led 18–13 after an attempt by Luciano Orquera to put the hosts ahead. However, Benjamin Fall grabbed the conversion and Frédéric Michalak was on target.
But just as Italian expectations were beginning to fade, Kris Burton ensured the outcome with a penalty kick that sealed a historic victory, and Martin Castrogiovanni crossed over to give his team the lead. Rugby fans can book Guinness Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
France 23–21 Italy, Stade de France in 2016: Paris
Three years later, Italy came within three points of victory versus France for the first time since 2013. Less than twenty minutes later, Louis Picamoles hobbled off the field due to a right leg issue. Under new trainer Guy Novès, Les Bleus was hardly convincing, and Jules Plisson’s late penalty was necessary to seal the victory.
Virimi Vakatawa and Damien Chouly scored goals for France in the first half, but Italy was still in the game at the half thanks to goals from Sergio Parisse and Carlo Canna. Three years later, Italy came within three points of victory versus France for the first time since 2013. Less than twenty minutes later, Louis Picamoles hobbled off the field due to a right leg issue.
Under new trainer Guy Novès, Les Bleus was hardly convincing, and Jules Plisson’s late penalty was necessary to seal the victory. Virimi Vakatawa and Damien Chouly scored goals for France in the first half, but Italy was still in the game at the half thanks to goals from Sergio Parisse and Carlo Canna.
Italy 24-29 France, Stadio Olimpico in 2023: Rome
Earlier this year, France, the reigning Guinness Six Nations champions, overcame a formidable Italy team by coming from behind. In the first half, France’s Thibaud Flament, Thomas Ramos, and Ethan Dumortier all scored goals.
Ange Capuozzo gave his team hope, though, as the Azzurri went up 24–22 after a penalty try and four penalties from Tommaso Allan. However, they were unable to hold on, as Matthieu Jalibert scored a late field goal to give his team a 29–24 victory.
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