The defending champions were 24-22 down going into the last 15 minutes before replacement flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert scored the decisive try after Thibaud Flament, Ethan Dumortier and Thomas Ramos, who kicked the other points, had touched down in the first half.
Italy, who made the most of France’s poor discipline, responded with Ange Capuozzo’s try, a penalty try and points from the boot of Tommaso Allan, showcasing their newly found flair and self-confidence but coming up just short as Les Bleus claimed their 14th test victory in a row.
France, who had 18 penalties against them, travel to Ireland next Saturday with Italy taking on England at Twickenham next Sunday. "We were against one of the top teams in the world.
There are regrets but also a lot of pride," said Italy fullback Capuozzo, who scored his sixth try in eight international appearances.