Italy women head coach Andrea Di Giandomenico has made just one change from the team which triumphed over Wales on the opening weekend of the 2020 Women’s Six Nations to face France on Saturday.
Valentina Ruzza has replaced Erika Skofca in the 23-woman squad that travels to Limoges.
Ruzza, who plays in the second row in France for Stade Francais, has made 31 appearances for the Azzurre.
Melissa Bettoni, Maria Magatti and Sofia Stefan – try scorers in Italy’s 19-15 victory over Wales – have all retained spots in the travelling party, as has last week’s Player of the Match, Giada Franco.
The squad will leave Treviso on Thursday morning as they look to register back-to-back Women’s Six Nations victories over France.
In last season’s tournament, Italy defeated France 31-12 to ensure the runners-up spot and finish above Les Bleues in the standings for the first time.
Italy women squad to face France:
Forwards:
Lucia Gai (Valsugana R. Padova) 67 caps
Michela Merlo (Rugby Mantova) 5 caps
Silvia Turani (HBS Colorno) 13 caps
Giulia Cerato(Valsugana R. Padova) 2 caps
Melissa Bettoni (Rennes) 55 caps
Giordana Duca (Valsugana R. Padova) 15 caps
Valeria Fedrighi (Stade Toulousain) 19 caps
Valentina Ruzza (Stade Francais) 31 caps
Sara Tounesi (HBS Colorno) 13 caps
Ilaria Arrighetti (Rennes) 44 caps
Lucia Cammarano (Rugby Belveneroverdi) 23 caps
Giada Franco (Harlequins Ladies) 14 caps
Elisa Giordano (Valsugana R. Padova) 40 caps CAPTAIN
Francesca Sgorbini (HBS Colorno) 2 caps
Backs:
Sara Barattin (Arredissima Villorba Rugby) 92 caps
Sofia Stefan (Valsugana R. Padova) 53 caps
Laura Paganini (CUS Milano) 2 caps
Beatrice Capomaggi (Unione R. Capitolina) 2 cap
Beatrice Rigoni (Valsugana R. Padova) 40 caps
Michela Sillari (Valsugana R. Padova) 54 caps
Maria Magatti (CUS Milano) 31 caps
Benedetta Mancini (Unione R. Capitolina) 1 cap
Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi (Valsugana R. Padova) 1 cap
