France Vs Italy: Hosts Hold Grand Slam Hopes After Late Blow and Emphatic Win in Lille
In the france vs italy Six Nations meeting in Lille, France overcame a late squad blow to record an emphatic win at Stade Pierre-Mauroy that keeps their Grand Slam hopes alive. The match was reshaped before kick-off when Matthieu Jalibert was ruled out, triggering a reshuffle that produced a Test debut try and several notable scorers.
Late squad upheaval as Matthieu Jalibert ruled out
France were hit by a major late setback when fly half Matthieu Jalibert was ruled out of the clash in Lille. The French rugby federation (FFR) announced on match eve that Jalibert, who had been named to start at No 10 on Friday, would miss the encounter. Jalibert had starred in France's round one and two wins over Ireland and Wales, carrying excellent club form from Bordeaux Begles and stepping up in the absence of Romain Ntamack.
Coaching reshuffle: Fabien Galthie makes changes
With Jalibert unavailable, coach Fabien Galthie altered his starting XV. Toulon wing Gael Drean was brought into the side, Theo Attissogbe was moved to full-back and Thomas Ramos was installed at fly half. Ramos has a history of featuring regularly at fly half for club and country and had previously started in the position in last year’s win over Italy in Rome.
France Vs Italy: Match turning points and scorers
The reshuffle paid early dividends. Gael Drean scored on Test debut to secure what was described as the bonus-point fourth try, and Emilien Gailleton later added what was called the home side's fifth try. Emmanuel Meafou, named player of the match, went over in the first half, and fly-half Thomas Ramos also crossed in the first half. Louis Bielle-Biarrey extended an impressive run by scoring for the eighth successive Six Nations game. Italy’s Ange Capuozzo replied after a France error as Italy hit back before half-time.
- Gael Drean: Test debut try, fourth try that secured the bonus point
- Emilien Gailleton: scored what was described as the fifth try for the hosts
- Emmanuel Meafou: player of the match; scored in the first half
- Thomas Ramos: started at fly half and also scored in the first half
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey: scored for an eighth successive Six Nations game
- Ange Capuozzo: replied for Italy after a France error before half-time
Italy reactions: mistakes, discipline and missed opportunities
Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada reflected on a match where turnovers and lost balls proved costly, noting that three lost balls led to France’s points and that the team were in a certain position until late in the contest. He pointed to second-half issues around quality ball and lineouts, and said the game finished strongly against them because of their mistakes; at one stage the team found themselves down to 13 players on the field, with one player off for discipline and another unavailable for a separate reason. Captain Michele Lamaro stressed that the scoreboard is the reality of the match, praised France’s ability to take opportunities in the first half, and cited an inability to sustain pressure and keep possession in the second half. Lamaro also noted a yellow card around the 70th minute that compounded Italy’s problems and referenced missed chances in line-outs.
What it means for the table and the run-in
Reigning champions France maintain their Grand Slam hopes after this emphatic performance in Lille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Italy remain in fifth place in the table, behind England on points difference. Observers noted France’s capacity to finish strongly—one commentator asked, "Can anyone stop them now?" and suggested attention will turn to the next test in a fortnight. The france vs italy meeting will be recalled for the late pre-match disruption, the successful integration of new starters, and a multi-try display that underlined France’s title ambitions.
Context and recent history
The pre-match reshuffle followed Jalibert’s strong early contribution to France’s campaign in the first two rounds. Gael Drean’s inclusion was rewarded after several strong Top 14 seasons for Toulon; the 25-year-old has scored 12 tries in 15 appearances for Toulon this season. France were also reminded of past difficulty against Italy in Lille: two years earlier the teams drew 13-all, with only a late missed penalty from Paolo Garbisi denying Italy victory. France’s defence coach described the encounter as a tough game of rugby and a real Test match.
Details that are unclear in the provided context: the exact final score and full match statistics. Recent updates indicate the match produced an emphatic French win, but some match specifics may evolve as full official figures are published.
