ROME — Forwards Sergio Parisse and Martin Castrogiovanni scored a try each as Italy beat France 23-18 in the Six Nations championship Sunday to deal a massive blow to French title hopes. Two years ago, Italy stunned France with a 22-21 win in Rome and once again the French wasted a lead, having gone into the break 15-13 ahead thanks to tries from No. 8 Louis Picamoles and winger Benjamin Fall. But the cunning and faultless kicking of flyhalf Luciano Orquera helped Italy fight back in the second half. Orquera set up both Italy's tries, converted them, and added a penalty and a drop goal to cap a superb performance. France has to regroup and beat Wales at Stade de France next Saturday to keep its Six Nations title hopes alive. — AP
