France scored six tries as they defeated Italy 46-20 at the Stade de France on Sunday to keep their Grand Slam hopes on track.
The French dominated the opening exchanges in Paris as an Imanol Harinordoquy try and a brace from David Marty ensured they went in at the break 22-3 up. Further tries from Marc Andreu, Yannick Jauzion and Alexandre Lapandry followed in the second half but Italy were not completely overshadowed as Carlo del Fava and Pablo Cannavossio both crossed over for the Azzurri.
Italy's weaknesses were exposed right from the off with Les Bleus capitalising on their limitations to open the scoring as scrum-half Morgan Parra went around the ruck to send the ball in Harinordoquy's direction, who duly went over.
Parra added the extras and was on the scoresheet again within minutes as he sent a penalty clean through the posts for a 10-0 lead.
It was then the turn of Marty to go over twice in a matter of minutes, the second time benefitting from some excellent counter-attacking moved from Clement Poitrenaud and Harinordoquy.
Once again Parra had little trouble converting both tries and there were fears this would develop into a rampage as the hosts led 22-0.
However, Mirco Bergamasco soon had the Italians on the scoreboard as he successfully kicked a penalty to give his side some hope going into the break.
The second half began with Bergamasco added a second penalty but France notched up their fourth try through Andreu before Jauzion and Lapandry went over to send the championship leaders into a 46-6 lead after 65 minutes.
Despite being completely dominated Italy gained some compensation over the closing 15 minutes with first Del Fava crossing before Canavosio followed suit. Bergamasco converted both to leave the scoreline at 46-20.
France host England in the final game of the championship next weekend knowing that victory will see them crowned grand slam winners.