New faces are exciting for Turani

IT is the beginning of a new Italian era as Le Azzure must navigate the tournament without some key players. After finishing fifth in last year’s edition, registering wins over Wales and Scotland, Italy backed it up with an impressive World Cup run, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time ever.

There has been change aplenty since then with Giovanni Raineri now in charge and the key figures of Sara Barrattin, Italy women’s record cap-holder, Manuela Furlan and Melissa Bettino all retiring.

However, prop Silvia Turani is excited about the prospect of beginning a new era with a squad that features eight uncapped players. She said: “We have some new faces who are bringing energy that we need, we have a new coach and when you have something new it is always exciting. I really can’t wait.”

Following last year’s campaign, 25 full-time contracts were awarded, adding a weight of expectation this year and Turani said: “Italy is finally really investing in the women’s game and giving us all the opportunities we can wish for in terms of camps, warmup games, financial support and nutrition.

“Rugby is a minor sport in Italy, but the male team now are performing well and that is helping rugby to get interest from people that weren’t fans before.”

Raineri’s side face a stiff start to their campaign, playing their opening two games against France and England.

SQUAD

FORWARDS: Gai, Maris, Seye, Stecca, Barro, Turani, Gurioli, Vecchini, Duca, Fedrighi, Locatelli, Margotti, Tounesi, Cavina, Franco, Giordano (c), Frangipani, Ranuccini, Sgorbini

BACKS: Barattin, Granzotto, Stefan, Toeschi, Madia, Stevanin, Busato, Buso, Capomaggi, Cheval, D’inca’, Rigoni, Sillari Gronda, Muzzo, Ostuni Minuzzi, Rolfi