Mallett: Italy victory 'a dream'

Italy coach Nick Mallett hailed today's momentous RBS 6 Nations win over France as evidence that his team are now a serious force in the world game.

The Azzurri battled to a 22-21 victory at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome, with Mirco Bergamasco kicking 17 points to add to Andrea Masi's try.

Mallett's side have been whipping boys since entering the tournament in 2000 but a proud Mallett told BBC1: "We're working and improving all the time, I've stuck with the same group over the last three years.

"I've got a great captain in Sergio Parisse - he's been a lone figure over the last four years, but he's now playing with a team where he just has to do his part - today we had 15, 22 players all playing their parts.

"(Alessandro) Zanni was outstanding today, Masi, the full-back, had an excellent game - they were a really good rugby team today.

"We played today against a good French team, who have reached two World Cup finals and have always thrashed Italy really, so it's a huge achievement."

Captain Parisse echoed his coach's thoughts, adding: "It's a dream today, beating France, we've never beaten them before in the Six Nations.

"I'm really proud and happy for all these people."

He had particular praise for Bergamasco, who held his nerve after two penalty misses to land the winning points, as well as Mallett.

"He's the only coach who believed in us, I want to dedicate this victory to him," he said of the latter.

"(And) Mirco asked to kick again and he got the important penalty."