Women's Six Nations 2025 preview: Italy

The Italian Women's Rugby Team lining up for the anthem. Photo: Italian rugby federation

As we approach the beginning of the 2025 Guiness Women’s Six Nations, you must get to know the teams involved. 

Italy has been a prevalent team in the world of rugby as they consistently return to the competition with a strong squad. They are often nicknamed “Le Azzurre” which means the Blues. 

Team History 

The Italian team have been officially a part of the Italian Rugby Federation since 1991. However, their international debut came years prior in 1985 where they played France. 

Their first European Championship was played in France, although at this time, they were not deemed to be official by the FIRA. Italy finished last in this competition as they lost matches against the host country France, Great Britain and the Netherlands. 

Then, when the team finally became official in 1991, they played in the very first World Cup held in Wales. During their first official international tournament, the Italians reached the semi-final, but they could not beat Canada. 

As the years passed, and funding increased, in 1995 and 1996, the nation managed to get third place in the European Championships. However, their successes didn't end there as they soon won the Nations Cup in 2002 and again in 2006. During the years in between, the Blues managed to win the 2005 European Championship further boosting their credentials. 

Head Coach 

Fabio Roselli was announced as the Blues’ head coach on the very first day of 2025, as he made his ambitions clear ahead of the busy year including the Six Nations and the World Cup.

Roselli has maintained the usual squad with very few changes made, but following an impressive performance during the Parma Summer Series, he brought in Alia Bitonci who will attempt to prove herself in the middle of the field.

Captain 

Experienced Captain Elisa Giordano returns once again to lead her team forward. Giordano has been Captain since the delayed 2021 World Cup and has retained the title since. 

Fixtures 

Italy’s first match will be held against the reigning champions England in the LNER Community Stadium in York on Sunday 23rd March which will begin at 3 p.m. Then they will host Ireland in Italy on the 30th March in Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi at 3 p.m. 

Italy will then travel to the Hive Stadium to play Scotland on the 13th of April again at 3 p.m.  Just 6 days later, they will return to Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi to play France at 1 p.m.  

The Italians then end at home as they finally host Wales once again at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi at a 12:15 p.m. kick off on the 26th of April.