France will face unbeaten Six Nations leader Ireland in a buoyant mood after thrashing Italy by a record-high 73-24 in Rome.

France captain Antoine Dupont led his side to a 73-24 rout of hosts Italy as they ran in 11 tries in an action-packed Six Nations triumph on Sunday, bouncing back in style from their one-point loss to England in their last game a fortnight ago.

Italy host France as Six Nations third-round weekend draws to an exciting close in Rome today. Les Bleus make the trip to the Stadio Olimpico desperate to bounce back quickly from their shock last-gasp defeat by England at Twickenham a fortnight ago that scuppered their latest Grand Slam hopes and made Ireland strong favourites to win a historic and unprecedented third successive title.

Captain Antoine Dupont led France to an overwhelming 73-24 rout of hosts Italy as they ran in 11 tries in an action-packed Six Nations triumph on Sunday, bouncing back in style from their one-point loss to England in their last game a fortnight ago.

Les Bleus are now three points behind Ireland after bouncing back convincingly from their narrow and painful defeat at the hands of England.

Italy were mere inches from winning this fixture last year and, buoyed by their victory over Wales last time out, will fancy their chances of taking down their confidence-hit rivals.

France score 11 tries to thrash Italy in a high-scoring contest to set up a potential Six Nations decider with Grand Slam-chasing Ireland.