Italy, France draw after wayward last-gasp penalty

Italy were denied a first away win against France in almost three decades as Paolo Garbisi’s last-gasp penalty hit the post in a 13-13 stalemate in the Six Nations on Sunday.

Garbisi almost ran out of time to kick the penalty after the 80th minute and Italy just missed out on their second win in France since a 40-32 win in Grenoble in 1997 after Les Bleus played the second half with 14 men due to Jonathan Danty’s red card.

The result left France’s hopes of the title in tatters after they could only score through Charles Ollivon’s try to three penalties by Thomas Ramos.

Italy, without a win in the Six Nations since 2022, scored a try by Ange Capuozzo, a Martin Page-Relo penalty and points from the boot of Garbisi.

France were rewarded for a blistering start with Ollivon try’s and a penalty by Ramos.

They were all over Italy but missed a handful of clear try chances with handling errors and some poor choices, making simple things too complicated.Les Bleus reached halftime on a sour note as centre Danty was sin-binned for head-onhead contact with Juan Ignacio Brex and the yellow card was upgraded to a red.

A trade of penalties maintained a seven-point advantage for France but Italy came knocking with increased pressure.

With 10 minutes left, Capuozzo collected a pass from Leonardo Marin and dived over before Garbisi converted to level.

Italy were awarded a penalty after the clock had turned red but the ball fell from the tee and Garbisi was left with seconds to kick it. The ball sailed low and into the left post.