Wayne Pivac’s side scored five tries against the Azzurri with Kieran Hardy, Sam Parry, Gareth Davies, George North and Justin Tipuric al crossing.
“It was important to finish with a win and 20-point win is always good,” said Exeter Chiefs prop Francis, now preparing for a return to club duty in Europe.
“We showed what we were about a bit more in the second half. It has been a massive step up as a squad and we’ll take the positives into the Six Nations.
“The attacking shape at the end showed how we want to play. Hopefully we can build on that. It’s not long until we are back together so it’s exciting really.
“It’s always been tough after Covid. As a squad we weren’t quite where we needed to be and a little bit off the pace.
“But the foundations put in during this camp have been great and made us ready for 2021.
“A lot of new caps have been blooded and I think almost all of them have had two games. We have built depth.”
Tighthead Francis also praised the world-class ability of back-row pair Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau after they both starred against Italy.
No 8 Faletau was named man of the match after a barnstorming display while he and Tipuric linked up on several occasions.
“When they are on fire together they are unplayable. They just find each other,” Francis said of Tipuric and Faletau.
“Their interplay was world class. I don’t know how the media picked out a difference for man of the match, they both deserved it in my eyes.
“They just found each other and that chemistry was there. It’s a joy for me to play with them.”
