France served notice they could be a serious threat at this year's World Cup with a business-like win over Italy.
Italy were made to pay for indiscipline in the first half as Frederic Michalak kicked France into a 15-3 lead.
France showed more adventure after the restart and Rabah Slimani touched down from Michalak's sweet grubber kick.
Giovanbattista Venditti hit back with a try for Italy, but veteran prop Nicolas Mas's first try in 81 Tests secured the win for France.
The one low point for France was an injury to winger Yoann Huget, who was helped off the field in the second half after appearing to injure his knee.
France's next game in Pool D is against Romania at London's Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, while Italy face Canada in Leeds next Saturday.
But the key match is set to be France versus Six Nations champions Ireland, who thrashed Canada 50-7 in Cardiff earlier on Saturday. The Pool D runners-up will probably play reigning champions New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
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