Early tries to Jean-Luc Sadourny and Philippe Bernat-Salles spurred France to a 30-19 defeat of Italy in their Six Nations clash today.
Fullback Sadourny and winger Bernat-Salles both crossed under the posts to give flyhalf Christophe Lamaison two simple conversions in the first half hour.
Lamaison also slotted three of his eight penalty attempts to become the top international points scorer in French rugby union history. The Agen stand-off has 369 points, two more than previous record holder Thierry Lacroix, who was in the stands in Rome to see his mark eclipsed.
Diego Dominguez, back from injury for his first Six Nations appearance of the season, kept Italy in contention throughout the match by converting all four of his penalty attempts.
But the Italian backs rarely troubled the French until the 72nd minute, when winger Massimiliano Perziano crossed in the corner to give Italy hope of a late comeback.
French winger Christophe Dominici restored France's lead with an injury time try and Lamaison converted to seal a much-needed victory for the World Cup finalists.