Italy were favored to win but had been victims of plenty of dull and unexciting performances leading up, while a rejuvenated French team were making their first appearance since the 1966 world cup.
Italy controlled the rest of the match and equalized halfway through the first half when after the ball pinged around the area it glanced off the unsuspecting Paolo Rossi and into the goal.
The Italians saw out the rest of the match, which saw little chances except for Maxime Bossis's shot that flew just wide of Zoff's post.
But just after the half-hour mark Paolo Rossi made it two goals in two games by firing home after a shot had deflected into his path.
Midway through the second half Romeo Benetti fired in a superb shot and Italy had the victory all but secure.