ANDREA DI GIANDOMENICO

In three words

Long-serving. Pioneering. Resilient.

Playing background

A fly-half, Di Giandomenico came through the ranks at L’Aquila in his native city, being part of the team that won the U20 national title in 1995. He helped the senior team reach their own Serie A1 final five years later, only to lose to Roma. He moved on to Reggio, winning promotion to the top flight before becoming player-coach in 2004. He represented Italy’s fire brigade team too, winning three medals at the World Firefighters Games.

Coaching CV

Having cut his teeth with Reggio and guided them back to Serie A after they were forced to start again two divisions down following a financial crisis, Di Giandomenico received a summons from the Italian federation in 2007. He undertook a number of roles before being appointed head coach of Italy Women in 2009.

What he’s known for

Di Giandomenico is loyal to those players who deliver consistently for him, but is not afraid to trust youth. His side is thus a compelling mix of old and new.

Who’s on his team

Di Giandomenico runs a tight ship but is supported by former Italy A prop Plinio Sciamanna, who specialises in the scrum and lineout. Giuliana Campanella, who made almost 60 appearances for Italy and appeared at two World Cups, is the team manager.

Biggest achievement

In the 2019 Six Nations, he oversaw three wins and a draw, which saw Italy claim a best-ever finish of second. That bettered the 2015 championship, when he became the first coach to lead an Italian team (men or women) to three wins in a single campaign.