Sergio Parisse provided a reminder of his enduring quality as he was named Guinness Six Nations Man of the Match after Italy’s home defeat to France.
Antoine Dupont, Yoann Huget and Damian Penaud all dotted down as the visitors triumphed 25-14 in Rome.
But even in defeat, the undoubted star of the show was veteran Parisse, who set up Tito Tebaldi’s second-half score with a crashing run to cap a dominant performance.
The Italy skipper made the most carries of any player on the pitch with 14, mustering 50m with ball in hand during another excellent 80 minutes at the office.
That was not enough to earn his side a final day victory, with Italy squandering numerous chances to make France pay.
And speaking after the match, a frustrated Parisse admitted his side’s lack of clinical edge had been the difference.
“It’s difficult to say how we lost the match given the amount of chances and possession we had,” he said.
“There’s frustration at such a missed opportunity.
“Congratulations to France, but the scoreline doesn’t reflect the match.”
With their Guinness Six Nations campaign now over, attention on Parisse’s part now turns to the next step in his career.
And he hinted after the match that he may have played his last game in the Championship.
“I don’t know if it’s my last game, but probably,” he said.
