France recover to edge out brave Italy in Paris with fortunate win

Having led for most of the second half only to fall behind to a contentious late penalty award brilliantly drilled home by Jules Plisson from near halfway, Italy still had the chance to claim a famous victory over the hosts with the final action of the match.

But Italy captain Sergio Parisse screwed his drop kick attempt well wide as French celebrations were muted by a feeling of relief.

Holding a 21-20 lead with seven minutes remaining, it was Parisse who was harshly penalised for playing the ball on the floor that finally sunk the Italians. It was still a magnificent kick by Plisson to slam home an enormous kick from the angle for the key three points.

"It wasn't easy for us today," said Italy centre Michele Campagnaro. "France's squad is very hard to beat here at home. I think we put in the right commitment. It's something we can go back to Italy with, but we're disappointed.

"We tried to dominate with our scrum and we have a lot of good players, who are very experienced. The scrum is very important for us."

Tries: Vakatawa, Chouly, Bonneval Con: Plisson Pens: Plisson 2

Tries: Parisse, Canna Con: Canna Pens: Canna, Haimona Drop-goal: Canna