VIDEO: France v Italy highlights

Editor

France comfortably saw off Italy to kick off their World Cup although they struggled for fluency at Twickenham.

In a game that was dominated by the whistle of referee Craig Joubert, Frédéric Michalak punished Italian indiscipline in the 32-10 loss.

Michalak kicked five penalties, with Scott Spedding adding one long-range attempt, as les Bleus opened up a big lead.

Early in the second half Rabah Slimani finished off a fine try, while his tighthead replacement Nicolas Mas also scored in the closing stages.

Giovanbattista Venditti scored Italy's lone try, but it was little consolation for the Azzurri.