France's bid for Grand Slam glory at the Six Nations continued to gather pace as they outclassed Italy with a 33-8 victory at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday. 

After being displaced at the top of the table by Scotland following their win over Wales, France returned to the summit as they made it three wins from three in their title defence.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey went over with just three minutes gone before Emmanuel Meafou crossed the line soon after to put Les Bleus firmly in control in the opening exchanges.

France led 19-0 on the half-hour mark through Thomas Ramos, who was a late switch at fly-half, but Italy remained competitive and found a response. 

A try from Ange Capuozzo and a Paolo Garbisi penalty saw Italy trail 19-8 at the break, but once they lost Louis Lynagh to a sin bin and Capuozzo to injury, France rallied. 

On his France debut, Gael Drean grabbed the bonus-point try and Emilien Gailleton crossed in a less eventful second half, with Les Bleus facing Scotland in a title decider next.

Les Bleus s’imposent à Lille face à l’Italie avec le bonus offensif ! #FRAITA

Le #XVdeFrance reste invaincu dans ce Six Nations ! pic.twitter.com/umPgMyl0uX

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 22, 2026

Data Debrief: France do a job on the Italians

If France win with a bonus point at Murrayfield, they will clinch the Six Nations title, and they put themselves in that position with an emphatic display against an opposition they have become accustomed to beating. 

They have now lost just two of their 27 meetings with Italy at the Six Nations (W24 D1) and are unbeaten in their last 13 against the Azzurri, with their only defeats coming in Rome in 2011 and 2013. 

France also maintained their unbeaten record at home to Italy in the Six Nations, while they have won their first three fixtures for the first time since 2022, when they went on to complete the Grand Slam.