Watch Italy Vs France highlights as Les Bleus ran in 11 tries for a record-breaking win against Italy in the Six Nations on Sunday.
With 14 tries scored between the two sides, Sunday’s game broke the record for the most scores in a Six Nations match.
France also scored their highest number of points in championship history.
But it was Italy who crossed the whitewash first in a gripping opening period.
Tommaso Menoncello burst through midfield to send the home crowd wild, but any thoughts of an unlikely upset were quickly put to bed.
The French had a point to prove after their 26-25 defeat to England last time out, and prove it they did.
Three tries came in quick succession from Mickael Guillard, hooker Peato Mauvaka and captain Antoine Dupont, before Juan Ignacio Brex replied for Italy to keep them in the game.
But France kept their scoring momentum going through Paul Boudehent and Leo Barre to make it 35-17 at the break.
After half time, France pulled away as Gregory Alldritt and Louis Bielle-Biarrey got on the scoresheet, with Antoine Dupont grabbing his second.
Italy fly-half Paolo Garbisi grabbed a third for the Azzurri, but they could not secure a fourth to earn a bonus point.
The French had the final say, running in three more tries through Barre, Theo Attissogbe and Pierre-Louis Barassi.
France’s 73-point haul is the most scored by any team in a Six Nations game since England ran in 80 against Italy all the way back in 2001.
Watch: Italy Vs France Highlights
The victory for France means they are second in the table, leapfrogging England to move within three points of leaders Ireland.
Fabien Galthie’s side travel to Dublin in the next round, knowing a win would put them on course for the first title since 2022.
If they prevail against the Irish, it would also open the door to England, who narrowly beat Scotland on Saturday and are just one point behind the French.
Italy, meanwhile, remain fifth in the table thanks to their win against Wales in round two.
The Azzurri head to Twickenham to play England next, before finishing their campaign against Ireland.
