2. Italy 22-21 France : 2011 Six Nations Championship
What has proven to become Italy’s lucky score line, the Azzurri pulled off a shock victory over France in the 2011 Six Nations. Heading into Rome’s Stadio Flaminio as expected favourites, France had secured victories over Scotland and Ireland on their way through to the match. Defeat to England set Les Blues off-course for their goal of retaining the Grand Slam, yet a dominant performance over Italy would get the camp back on track, for an expected title decider against Wales.
Italy struck first through the boot of Mirco Bergamasco, yet France responded strongly, as winger Vincent Clerc’s try put the visitors in front after 14 minutes. Andrea Masi’s second half try kept Italy in the fight, with the remaining match fizzling down to a place-kicking contest between Bergamasco and Morgan Parra.
The Italian left winger slotted five penalties, and established enough breathing space for a shock victory in Rome. Italian celebrations disrupted the capital, with France devastated after failing expectations of back-to-back Six Nations Championships. England went on to win that year’s title, with France proving their strengths in the following Rugby World Cup, as they reached the final and narrowly lost to the All Blacks.