France survived a huge scare as they started their Six Nations campaign with a nerve-racking 29-24 away victory over Italy on Saturday.

The defending champions were 24-22 down going into the last 15 minutes before replacement flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert scored the decisive try after Thibaud Flament, Ethan Dumortier and Thomas Ramos, who kicked the other points, had touched down in the first half.

Italy, who made the most of France’s poor discipline, responded with Ange Capuozzo’s try, a penalty try and points from the boot of Tommaso Allan, showcased their newly found flair and self-confidence but came up just short as Les Bleus claimed their 14th test victory in a row.

France travel to Ireland on Saturday with Italy taking on England at Twickenham on Sunday.