Rugby, Six Nations: Italy beaten by France 33-8 in Lille

Rome, Feb. 22 (LaPresse) – Italy national rugby union team were defeated 33-8 by France national rugby union team in Lille in the third round of the Six Nations Championship. The French, who lead the tournament with a perfect record, confirmed their strength. The Azzurri stayed in the game for long stretches and went into halftime trailing by 11 points after a difficult start. In the second half, the Blues accelerated, becoming more clinical and also exploiting their numerical advantage in the closing stages, which allowed them to secure the bonus-point win and close out the match.