Italy have announced an unchanged 23 for the visit of Scotland in the final round of the Women’s Six Nations.
The Italians claimed a dramatic 22-15 victory over Wales at Principality Stadium last time out in round four and sit level with Sunday’s opponents in the standings.
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Michela Sillari, Beatrice Rigoni, Maria Magatti and Isabella Locatelli all crossed for scores in the enthralling win in Cardiff and all keep their place in the starting XV.
And coach Andrea Di Giandomenico admitted it was an easy decision to keep faith the same matchday 23 and is expecting a fearsome battle on Sunday.
“It will be a match played out amongst the forwards, the heavy pitch and the make-up of the Scottish squad have shown us that,” he said.
“In any case, the team will have to adapt to the conditions which might not favour our more open game based on passing and speed.”
And the mayor of Padova, Sergio Giordani, cannot wait to welcome the two teams to the Stadio Plebiscito.
“For Padovans, rugby is more than a sport – it is more like a religion.” Italy Women’s team to face Scotland: 15 Manuela Furlan (Iniziative Villorba Rugby), 65 caps 14 Sofia Stefan (Stade Rennais Rugby, FRA), 42 caps 13 Michela Sillari (Rugby Colorno), 43 caps 12 Beatrice Rigoni (Valsugana Rugby Padova), 31 caps 11 Maria Magatti (Rugby Monza 1949), 25 caps 10 Veronica Madia (Rugby Colorno), 10 caps 9 Sara Barattin (Iniziative Villorba Rugby), 81 caps, capitano 1 Gaia Giacomoli (Rugby Colorno), 10 caps 2 Melissa Bettoni (Stade Rennais Rugby, FRA), 45 caps 3 Lucia Gai (Stade Rennais Rugby, FRA), 60 caps 4 Valentina Ruzza (Valsugana Rugby Padova), 22 caps 5 Giordana Duca (Frascati Rugby Club 2015), 4 caps 6 Giada Franco (Rugby Colorno), 3 caps 7 Isabella Locatelli (Rugby Monza 1949), 20 caps 8 Elisa Giordano (Valsugana Rugby Padova), 29 caps Replacements: 16 Silvia Turani (Rugby Colorno), 3 caps 17 Eleonora Ricci (CRAT A Coruna, SPA), 3 caps 18 Michela Merlo (Rugby Mantova, tutorata Rugby Colorno), 2 caps 19 Elisa Pillotti (Chicken CUS Pavia), 11 caps 20 Ilaria Arrighetti (Stade Rennais Rugby, FRA), 34 caps 21 Beatrice Veronese (Valsugana R. Padova), 4 caps 22 Jessica Busato (Inziative Villorba Rugby), 4 caps 23 Aura Muzzo (Iniziative Rugby Villorba), 5 caps
