Roselli rings in the Italy changes for Galway trip

Italy head coach Fabio Roselli has made a total of five changes to his starting Azzurre team for their trip to Ireland.

This includes an entirely new half-back partnership of Sofia Stefan and Emma Stevanin. Gaia Buso is also installed on the wing as Francesca Granzotto drops out of the team entirely.

In the pack there are a pair of changes as Silvia Turani is named as a replacement and Gaia Maris starts at loosehead prop. After making her Test debut in Grenoble last weekend Elettra Costantini gets her first international start in Galway.

Last weekend in Round 1 of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, Italy were beaten 40-7 by a rampant France at the Stade des Alpes.

It is not that long ago that Italy toppled Ireland in Ireland. Two years ago a brace of tries from hooker Vittoria Vecchini helped the Azzurre to a 27-21 win over this weekend’s opponents.

That afternoon Dublin’s RDS Arena was the venue of Italy’s success. A world away from Galway and Dexcom Stadium, but certainly provides motivation.

“Good memories, with the two tries scored and the recognition as the best on the pitch,” Vecchini told Six Nations Rugby. “But certainly, the most beautiful memory remains the great happiness of the whole team for having won in Ireland for the first time.

“Even then it was a difficult match, but we managed to pull it in our direction. As I said, against them it is always difficult, even more so when they play at home.

“For one, they have a very fast game, being able to exploit several athletes who are part of the Sevens selection. They are talented and have a good kicking game, just as the forwards are strong, so it is a complete team in all departments.”

Italy squad v Ireland

15. Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi
14. Gaia Buso
13. Alyssa D’Incà
12. Sara Mannini
11. Aura Muzzo
10. Emma Stevanin
9. Sofia Stefan
1. Gaia Maris
2. Vittoria Vecchini
3. Alessia Pilani
4. Valeria Fedrighi
5. Elettra Costantini
6. Francesca Sgorbini
7. Alissa Ranuccini
8. Elisa Giordano

Replacements

16. Chiara Cheli
17. Silvia Turani
18. Vittoria Zanette
19. Giordana Duca
20. Beatrice Veronese
21. Alia Bitonci
22. Veronica Madia
23. Michela Sillari