Elisa Giordano to lead Italy in Women's Six Nations

Giovanni Raineri has named his first Women’s Six Nations Italy squad with Elisa Giordano set to captain the side.

The Azzurre will kick off their campaign against France in Parma under new boss Raineri, who took over from Andrea di Giandomenico after last year’s World Cup.

During that campaign, Italy reached the quarter-finals for the first time and they will look to build on that performance.

They will have to do so without some key long-term contributors with Melissa Bettoni and former skipper Manuela Furlan having called time on their careers.

Giordano will lead a 36-strong squad, which features eight uncapped players.

At the other end of the experience spectrum, Sara Barattin, Italy’s most capped women’s player, is included and will look to add to her 111 caps.

Raineri said: “It is a great privilege to take part in the Six Nations once again, this time as a coach, in charge of a squad that have gained a great deal of esteem from everyone in the game and from fans, beyond just our own borders.

“The squad for the TikTok Women’s Six Nations is made up for experienced players and some newcomers who have been playing well in the Italian championship, with the aim of building the best possible team for the competition. It will be a new journey and we will run onto the field looking to give our best, game after game.”

Italy squad for the Women’s Six Nations:

Forwards

GAI Lucia – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 86 caps
MARIS Gaia – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 15 caps
SEYE Sara – Transvecta Rugby Calvisano, 12 caps
STECCA, Emanuela – Arredissima Villorba Rugby, 3 caps
BARRO Francesca – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 1 cap
TURANI Silvia – Exeter Chiefs Women, 24 caps
GURIOLI, Laura – Arredissima Villorba Rugby, uncapped
VECCHINI Vittoria – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 14 caps
DUCA Giordana – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 34 caps
FEDRIGHI Valeria – Stade Toulousain, 40 caps
LOCATELLI Isabella – Rugby Colorno, 37 caps
MARGOTTI, Alessia – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 1 cap
TOUNESI Sara – Sale Sharks, 26 caps
CAVINA, Giulia – CUS Milano, uncapped
FRANCO, Giada – Rugby Colorno, 27 caps
GIORDANO Elisa (C) – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 60 caps
FRANGIPANI, Alessandra – Arredissima Villorba Rugby, 2 caps
RANUCCINI, Alissa – Rugby Colorno, uncapped
SGORBINI Francesca – ASM Romagnat, 13 caps

Backs

BARATTIN Sara – Arredissima Villorba Rugby, 111 caps
GRANZOTTO, Francesca – Unione Rugby Capitolina, 2 caps
STEFAN, Sofia – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 73 caps
TOESCHI, Arianna – CUS Torino, uncapped
MADIA, Veronica – Rugby Colorno, 36 caps
STEVANIN, Emma – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 2 caps
BUSATO, Jessica – Arredissima Villorba Rugby, 9 caps
BUSO, Gaia – Arredissima Villorba Rugby, uncapped
CAPOMAGGI Beatrice – Arredissima Villorba Rugby, 4 caps
CHEVAL, Mathilde – Valsugana Rugby Padova, uncapped
D’INCA’ Alyssa – Arredissima Villorba Rugby, 12 caps
RIGONI Beatrice – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 61 caps
SILLARI Michela – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 74 caps
GRONDA, Alessia – CUS Torino, uncapped
MUZZO Aura – Arredissima Villorba rugby, 31 caps
OSTUNI MINUZZI Vittoria – Valsugana Rugby Padova, 20 caps
ROLFI Sofia – Rugby Colorno, uncapped