The anticipation was palpable as the French rugby team faced Italy on February 23, 2025, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. After suffering a narrow defeat at Twickenham against England just two weeks prior, the stakes were high for the XV de France. They needed to deliver results not only to stay competitive within the Six Nations Tournament but also to regain confidence on the field.
France secured victory with a stunning score of 73-24, marking it as their most significant win yet against Italy within this tournament. The team, under the guidance of head coach Fabien Galthié, fielded some strategic changes. Notably absent were key players Romain Ntamack and Damian Penaud, which called for quick adjustments. Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos formed the backbone of the team's performance as they stepped up to lead.
The match kicked off with intense energy as both teams sought to establish dominance. Initially, Italy capitalized on some early mistakes by France, drawing first blood with their quick play, preventing France from settling defensively. A pivotal moment came when Thomas Ramos connected beautifully with his teammates, setting up Léo Barré for France's first try. Barré, who was making his debut appearance, did not disappoint, scoring not just once but twice during the match.
Anthony Jelonch expressed his happiness upon returning to the pitch, sharing, "I am very happy to have this shirt back. It has been since the quarter-final of the 2023 World Cup. Finding it here in Italy and playing such a match is a great day for me."Jelonch's enthusiasm mirrored the overall tension among players aiming to redeem themselves after their prior outing.
France's commanding performance continued to build momentum as they scored multiple tries, effectively showcasing their offensive prowess. Dupont navigated the field skillfully, often found orchestrated plays leading to tries from his teammates. The French squad displayed depth and versatility as substitutes transformed the game's pace, which proved overwhelming for the Italian defense.
Indeed, the French defense had to weather some challenging moments. Their previously high missed tackle rate—20%—drew scrutiny early on. Nevertheless, the team’s adjustability marked their growth as they capitalized on Italy's lapses to transition from defense to attack seamlessly.
The Italians exhibited flashes of resilience, particularly with Paolo Garbisi on his feet, but France's relentless pressure suffocated their attempts. Commenting later on their adversary's growth, Dupont noted, "They are capable of causing significant problems to opposing defenses and can put lots of intensity on the game, making them increasingly difficult to beat."
While Italy was determined not to roll over, their inability to maintain consistent pressure allowed France to dictate the match's pace. Jelonch, leading the charge, stated, "We had to profit from the good things. We will try to enjoy this moment, as it is not often we score like this." His words encapsulated not just the spirit of competition but also the camaraderie within the squad.
The final moment saw Barrassi, who had recently returned, sealing the heavy victory with the eleventh try of the day. The players celebrated not just the score but the invaluable experience gained against capable opposition, setting their eyes firmly on their next game against Ireland set to take place on the 8th of March. Paul Boudehent summed it up perfectly, saying, "We did not underestimate this Italian team, but they have made significant progress this year." He echoed the sentiments felt across the squad as they looked forward to continuing their tournament charge.
With this decisive victory, France moved up the rankings with renewed vigor and purpose. They are now well-positioned for their next challenge, continuing to build on their performance and preparing strategically for the impending clash against Ireland. The clear question on everyone's mind now is whether this powerful performance will serve as the catalyst for the French team's success as they strive to reclaim the Six Nations title.