Manuela Furlan’s try four minutes from time gave Italy the bonus point they needed to beat France 31-12 and claim second in the Women’s Six Nations table.
The Azzurre captain was in support at just the right time to slice through the French defence and dot down, capping off a famous victory in Padua.
The Azzurre narrowly led 8-5 at half-time, but pulled clear in the second period, running in further tries through Melissa Bettoni, Beatrice Rigoni and then Furlan.
France never really threatened to come back once Italy opened up a gap, although wingers Caroline Boujard and Ian Jason crossed for Les Bleues.
Italy showed their intent from the off, winning the ball back from kick-off and going through the phases all the way up to the French line only for Giada Franco to knock on.
That was an early warning sign for the visitors, but Italy continued to cause them problems with their slick running lines and ferocity at the breakdown.
The first try came on 20 minutes, a result of those running lines as Italy cut through and eventually it was Sofia Stefan who raced through to dot down.
France had been put under pressure at the lineout, with Italy stealing a number of crucial throws as the frustration grew for the visitors.
They did level shortly before half-time, Boujard racing in down the right after a fine wide pass by Pauline Bourdon had created space.
It was the Italians who led at half-time though, Michela Sillari slotting a penalty from in front when Coumba Diallo had strayed offside.
She added another early in the second half, while France lost Diallo to the sin-bin before hooker Bettoni’s score from close range gave them a two-score lead they would never relinquish.
A further Sillari penalty just after the hour made it 21-5, but Jason then got away down the left for France’s second, converted by Jessy Trémoulière to spark hopes of a comeback.
Those were snuffed out immediately as Rigoni crossed for the try of the game, the Italians opening up the space off a scrum before she dummied her way through and over.
That gave them the chance of second place, needing a bonus-point win to leapfrog Les Bleues.
They did that, Furlan in the right place at the right time after yet another strip in the tackle, this time by Veronica Madia.
From there Italy saw out the closing minutes before wild celebrations on full-time.
