World Cup hosts France sealed their place in the quarter-finals with an eight-try thrashing of Italy in Lyon, a result which meant they finished top of Pool A.

Even without injured captain Antoine Dupont – who was resting up for the start of the knock-out stages after undergoing cheekbone surgery – Fabien Galthie’s side never looked like losing.

Wing Damian Penaud moved to six tries at this World Cup with an early brace.

This was another heavy defeat for Italy, following a 96-17 loss to New Zealand. The Azzurri have conceded 156 points in their last two games in a disastrous tournament.

France will now play one of South Africa, Ireland, or Scotland in the quarter-finals, but it is most likely that the 2019 champions the Springboks will be their last-eight opposition.

It took France just two minutes to open their account, wing Penaud crossing from Thomas Ramos’ pass for his fifth try of the tournament.

Penaud then turned creator as he cross-kicked for Louis Bielle-Biarrey to score.

Thomas Ramos – who contributed 16 first-half points – added a third.

Italy thought they had responded with a try for prop Simone Ferrari on his 50th cap but it was ruled out. At the other end, Matthieu Jalibert kicked Penaud for his second.

France had their four-try bonus point in the bag in only 22 minutes.

They led 31-0 at the break.

Jalibert – who is having a fine tournament at No 10 after France lost first-choice playmaker Romain Ntamack to a knee injury before a ball had been kicked – danced over for try five.

France’s attacking game was impressive, but Italy’s defense was nonexistent and their tackling was poor. Captain Michele Lamaro was replaced after just 44 minutes.

Peato Mauvaka and Yoram Moefana – from another brilliant Jalibert assist – continued France’s merry dance as Italy chased shadows.

Manuel Zuliani did grab an Azzurri consolation but France completed the rout when Moefana crashed over for his second.