Italy Women’s head coach Andrea di Giandomenico has handed jerseys to two uncapped players after finalising his 28-strong squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland.
Colorno lock Sara Tounesi and outside back Pordenone’s Aura Muzzo will look to earn their first international starts in Dublin, having impressed enough to earn a place di Giandomenico’s team selection.
The Azzure will be captained by scrum half Sara Barattin, who, with 71 caps to her name, is one of the most experienced members of the touring party.
Paola Zangirolami and Veronica Schiavon – who have 150 international caps between them – are also included alongside prop Elisa Cucchiella and back rower Silvia Gaudino.
Padova’s Claudia Salvadego, who made her debut against Ireland in this year’s Six Nations has also made the cut, while twice-capped Verona lock Valeria Fedrighi and Colorno centre Veronica Madia likewise feature.
The Azzurre will head to Dublin for their first World Cup showing in 15 years, having secured qualification with five wins during the Six Nations Championships in 2015 and 2016.
And having been absent from the global competition since 2002, di Giandomenico is happy with the way things are shaping up ahead of his side’s opening fixture against the USA on August 9.
“We are very pleased with the squad that has come together,” said di Giandomenico.
“All the girls who took part in the World Cup training camps have put in 100 per cent, showing great determination throughout.
“We’re thrilled to be competing in the World Cup and the sense of anticipation is growing as each day passes.
“We are so proud to represent the entire Italian Women’s rugby community in a World Cup, a tournament that any athlete in any sport would want to participate in.”
Italian skipper Barattin, who won her first cap in 2005, says she is relishing the chance to represent her country on the biggest stage of all in women’s rugby.
“It’s hugely emotional to be able to represent Italy in a World Cup. Playing in this tournament is the crowning of a long journey with the team,” she said.
“Our World Cup preparations began after beating Scotland in Bologna last year, and we are looking forward to getting out on the pitch in Dublin.”
Italy face USA in their first Pool B game on August 9 before taking on Six Nations rivals England on August 13 with their final group game against Spain.
Italy Women’s squad for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup:
Forwards: Elisa Cucchiella (Rugby Belve Neroverdi), Marta Ferrari (Stade Rennais), Lucia Gai (Stade Rennais), Gaia Giacomoli (Rugby Colorno), Melissa Bettoni (Stade Rennais), Lucia Cammarano (Asd Rugby Monza 1949), Valeria Fedrighi (Verona Rugby), Valentina Ruzza (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Flavia Severin (Benetton Treviso), Sara Tounesi (Rugby Colorno) *, Alice Trevisan (Rugby Riviera 1975), Ilaria Arrighetti (Stade Rennais), Michela Este (Benetton Treviso), Silvia Gaudino (Rugby Monza 1949), Elisa Giordano (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Isabella Locatelli (Rugby Monza 1949).
Backs: Sara Barattin (Villorba Rugby), Claudia Salvadego (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Beatrice Rigoni (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Veronica Schiavon (Yokohama TKM), Maria Grazia Cioffi (Rugby Colorno), Manuela Furlan (Harlequins), Veronica Madia (Rugby Colorno), Maria Magatti (Rugby Monza 1949), Aura Muzzo (Pordenone Rugby) *, Michela Sillari (Harlequins), Sofia Stefan (Stade Rennais), Paola Zangirolami (Valsugana Rugby Padova).
