Massive blow for Italy Women's WXV 2 campaign

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy Women will head to South Africa for the WXV 2 tournament without the prolific player Alyssa D’Inca.

Italy, who warmed up for the tournament with a 24-8 victory against Japan in Piacenza on Saturday, won all three of their matches in Stellenbosch and Cape Town 11 months ago, but missed out on the inaugural title on points difference to Scotland.

D’Inca, nominated for Player of the Championship following this year’s Women’s Six Nations, scored two tries during that inaugural campaign but has been ruled out of this year’s WXV 2 tournament through injury.

She is joined in the treatment room by Giulia Cavina, Giada Franco, Isabella Locatelli and Alessia Pilani.

Head coach Giovanni Raineri’s squad includes two uncapped players, forwards Chiara Cheli and Vittoria Zanette.

Four players selected by Raineri ply their trade in Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) as Sale Sharks teammates Beatrice Rigoni and Sofia Stefan are joined by props Sara Seye and Silvia Turani, who play for Trailfinders Women and Harlequins respectively.

Italy open their 2024 campaign against defending champions Scotland at Cape Town Stadium on September 28 before matches against Wales on October 4 and South Africa eight days later.

Italy squad:

Forwards: Ilaria Arrighetti, Chiara Cheli, Giordana Duca, Elena Errichiello, Valeria Fedrighi, Alessandra Frangipani, Elisa Giordano, Laura Gurioli, Gaia Maris, Alissa Ranuccini, Sara Seye, Francesca Sgorbini, Emanuela Stecca, Sara Tounesi, Silvia Turani, Vittoria Vecchini, Beatrice Veronese, Vittoria Zanette.

Backs: Beatrice Capomaggi, Sofia Catellani, Francesca Granzotto, Veronica Madia, Sara Mannini, Nicole Mastrangelo, Aura Muzzo, Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Beatrice Rigoni, Michela Sillari, Sofia Stefan, Emma Stevanin.

Source: Rugbypass