FIR shows commitment to Italian Women's Rugby
Today at 06:55 AM
NEWS: The Springbok Women's World Cup opponents Italy have handed central contracts to 25 players, showing their commitment to growing the game in their country.
Italy kick off this year's Women's Six Nations against reigning champions England on March 23 at York Community Stadium, with the Azzurri again returning to the UK later in the year for the Rugby World Cup.
The project began in 2022 in preparation for that year's World Cup in New Zealand, where Italy made history by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time.
Now, with the 2025 World Cup on the horizon, this fourth year of centralised contracts marks the completion of the first full World Cup cycle.
The FIR says the addition of a further player to the centralised list will help the squad focus on elite-level preparation, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to the demands of international competition in what promises to be a crucial year for the women's game.
Three players who don't feature in this year's list are Beatrice Capomaggi, Giada Franco and Lucia Gai, whilst the four new players included are Laura Guriol, Alessia Pilani, Alissa Ranuccini and Emanuela Stecca.
FIR Technical Director Daniele Pacini commented: "2025 is a World Cup year, and we approach it with a squad that includes both experienced players from the previous tournament and new talent that has emerged in recent seasons.
"The road to the World Cup will be packed with challenges, including the Six Nations, training camps, and warm-up matches.
"As a coaching staff, we are delighted to work with such a strong group, particularly with young players rapidly developing to meet international standards."
Italy contracted players for 2025:
Ilaria Arrighetti (Stade Rennais Rugby, 62 caps)
Alyssa D'Incà (Villorba Rugby, 26 caps)
Giordana Duca (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 52 caps)
Valeria Fedrighi (Rugby Colorno, 58 caps)
Elisa Giordano (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 69 caps)
Francesca Granzotto (Unione Rugby Capitolina, 16 caps)
Laura Gurioli (Rugby Villorba, 13 caps)
Isabella Locatelli (Rugby Colorno, 51 caps)
Veronica Madia (Rugby Colorno, 52 caps)
Gaia Maris (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 32 caps)
Aura Muzzo (Villorba Rugby, 49 caps)
Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 37 caps)
Alessia Pilani (Rugby Colorno, 7 caps)
Alissa Ranuccini (Rugby Colorno, 10 caps)
Beatrice Rigoni (Sale Sharks, 79 caps)
Sara Seye (Ealing Trailfinders, 27 caps)
Francesca Sgorbini (ASM Romagnat Rugby, 28 caps)
Michela Sillari (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 87 caps)
Emanuela Stecca (Rugby Villorba, 13 caps)
Sofia Stefan (Sale Sharks, 91 caps)
Emma Stevanin (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 19 caps)
Sara Tounesi (Montpellier Herault Rugby, 43 caps)
Silvia Turani (Harlequins, 37 caps)
Vittoria Vecchini (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 31 caps)
Beatrice Veronese (Valsugana Rugby Padova, 22 caps)
Source: SixNations
