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.

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

Rampant Les Blues ran in 11 tries in a ruthless demolition job at the Stadio Olimpico to close round three on Sunday, bouncing back from a last-gasp defeat by England that ended their Grand Slam hopes and handed the title initiative to the defending back-to-back champions.