VIDEO: France v Italy highlights
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.