France vs Italy – Report – Six Nations Championship 2024 – 25 Feb, 2024،
Italy were denied a first away win against France in almost three decades and a first in the Six Nations as Paolo Garbisi's penalty hit the post in a 13-13 stalemate on Sunday.
Garbisi almost ran out of time to take the penalty after the 80th minute, before seeing his shot hit the upright as Italy narrowly missed out on their second victory on French soil since a 40-32 win at Grenoble in 1997. France played the second half. with 14 men following Jonathan Danty's red card.
“It was part of my job and I didn't do it well, that's why I apologize to my teammates and the whole Italian country,” said a dejected Garbisi.
“A draw is a good result but winning would have been better, there was room for that. It's my fault. It's going to stay in my head for a while.”
The result left France's hopes of winning the title in tatters after they were only able to score thanks to Charles Ollivon's try and Thomas Ramos' three penalties.
Italy, without a victory in the Six Nations since 2022, scored a try from Ange Capuozzo, a penalty from Martin Page-Relo and points from the boot of Garbisi.
“It's tough, really tough. We had a lot of chances in the first half when we could have scored three or four tries,” said French center Gaël Fickou.
“We will have regrets I think. We are still good friends,” said Capuozzo, the Italian and Stade Toulousain full-back.
France, without scrum-half Antoine Dupont – who temporarily switched to rugby sevens for the Paris Olympics – and injured fly-half Romain Ntamack, were rewarded for a blistering start with tries from Ollivon and a penalty from Ramos.
They were all over Italy but missed a handful of clear testing opportunities due to handling errors and poor choices, making simple things too complicated.
Fly-half Matthieu Jalibert then left the field with a knee injury, prompting a major reshuffle with Thomas Ramos moving up to number 10 and Matthis Lebel, called up on Saturday after the withdrawal of the injured Louis Bielle-Biarrey, taking on the role of 'back. Yoram Moefana entered on the wing.
France reached half-time on a sour note as center Danty was booked for head-on contact with Juan Ignacio Brex and the yellow card was turned into a red.
A shootout on goal maintained a seven-point advantage for France, but Italy came to the door with increased pressure.
With 10 minutes remaining, Capuozzo collected a pass from Leonardo Marin and dived into the corner before Garbisi converted to level.
As France tried to claim victory in the final seconds, Italy was awarded a penalty after the clock turned red, but the ball fell off the tee and Garbisi only had a handful of seconds to kick.
The ball went low and crashed into France's left post, leaving both teams with huge regrets.
“The ball falls [from the tee]I don’t think that happens often,” Capuozzo said.
