Italy vs France LIVE rugby: Six Nations 2023 result and reaction

That really was wonderful fun. Credit to France for (just about) holding their nerve and finding a way to win, but Italy are building something bonkers and beautiful.

Here’s that winning score:

An extraordinary game of rugby, and another significant feather in the cap of this rapidly developing Italian team. The hosts played with belief and adventure right from the off, a tactic that looked foolish in the first 20 minutes but threatened to cause an almighty shock thereafter as some creative attacking play and Tommaso Allan’s boot nudged them in front.

But Matthieu Jalibert’s beautifully taken score spared France’s blushes – last year’s Grand Slammers are up and running with a five-point away victory, but that does not at all tell the story of a major, major scare.

The maul goes down in a heap. “Down by white!” cries Matthew Carley – France have done it! By the skin of their teeth, the defending champions hold on and extend their unbeaten run!

The noise ratchets up. Where is Manuel Zuliani going?!? Antoine Dupont just about grabs him.

France have it – but illegally! Hands on the floor before contesting – penalty to Italy.

Another shallow kick from Allan, but Italy will have a seven metre lineout. Banker ball at the front…

Safety first from Allan – kicked out outside the French 22. One last shot at another magic Italian moment…

Penalty advantage for Italy! Two French players in at the side of the maul.

The clock ticks past 79:00 as Italy take a wise pause. Tommaso Allan will look for as much distance as possible with his punt towards the corner.

The lineout goes awry! France might have been able to milk some clock with the maul but Gaetan Barlot’s throw had too much amplitude.

The ball diverts into touch off a French boot. Italy lineout on halfway.

Alessandro Fusco has replaced Stephen Varney at scrum half for Italy. He injects a bit of tempo, bringing his forwards around the corner with appropriate gusto.

But that’s a magnificent bit of work from Sekou Macalou. Supports in the tackle, shows a clear release and then over the top like a barnacle – penalty to France!

Crikey is this tense. Into the final five minutes with the game very much in the balance.

France scrum strongly but can’t draw a penalty. A threaded kick goes out of play just before Ange Capuozzo’s attempted hack diverts it further towards the stands – it’ll be Italy’s lineout ball to throw.