Italy name squad for Six Nations opener in Grenoble

Italy head coach Fabio Roselli has named the squad that will take on France in their Guinness Women’s Six Nations opener this weekend.

On Saturday, Le Azzurre will travel to Grenoble’s Stade des Alpes to compete against a France team that will be playing their first game under the guidance of François Ratier.

Elisa Giordano continues to captain the side from the back-row, where she will combine with Alissa Ranuccini and Francesca Sgorbini.

There are two debutantes named on the bench by Roselli. This includes Player of the Match from the Serie A Elite Femminile final, Chiara Cheli, and lock forward Elettra Costantini.

Test centurion Sofia Stefan is almost among the replacements alongside vastly experienced pair, Gaia Maris and Beatrice Veronese.

Last year, when the two teams played one another in Round 4, France beat Italy 34-21 at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi as a second half onslaught from the French saw the side overcome a 21-12 half-time deficit.

Italy squad for France v Italy

15. Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi (44 caps)
14. Aura Muzzo (58 caps)
13. Alyssa D’Incà (35 caps)
12. Sara Mannini (12 caps)
11. Francesca Granzotto (24 caps)
10. Veronica Madia (60 caps)
9. Alia Bitonci (10 caps)
8. Elisa Giordano (Captain, 78 caps)
7. Alissa Ranuccini (18 caps)
6. Francesca Sgorbini (37 caps)
5. Giordana Duca (60 caps)
4. Valeria Fedrighi (67 caps)
3. Alessia Pilani (9 caps)
2. Vittoria Vecchini (41 caps)
1. Silvia Turani (47 caps)

Replacements
16. Chiara Cheli (debut)
17. Gaia Maris (42 caps)
18. Vittoria Zanette (2 caps)
19. Elettra Costantini (debutant)
20. Beatrice Veronese (31 caps)
21. Sofia Stefan (101 caps)
22. Emma Stevanin (27 caps)
23. Gaia Buso (4 caps)