Coach Alain Jardel was brimming with confidence and pride after his team beat Italy to pick up their third consecutive European Championship qualifying win on Wednesday night.

After beating Hungary 64-52 in their opener on September 8 and defeating Lithuania 72-60 last Saturday in Le Mans, France comfortably saw off the Italians 82-47 in Paris' Bercy arena.

Edwige Lawson and Emilie Gomis scored a total of 29 points between them, while the defence provided a near-flawless performance.

"The identity of that team has been growing for two years," Jardel said.

		“	I have always believed in this group	„
		Alain Jardel

"They have the quality and the mentality to achieve great things. The defence is exceptional and, without being too triumphant, I think some of the actions they showed should be kept forever in a library.

"I have always believed in this group."

France sit atop Group A and Jardel believes their displays are improving with every match.

"We did not have the same defensive pace during our first two matches," captain Cathy Melain added.

France face Hungary next in Villeneuve d'Ascq on Saturday.