Italy Women head coach Andrea Di Giandomenico has made three changes to his team for their game against Scotland in Milan this Sunday.
Le Azzurre surprised most last season, finishing second, and after beating Wales in Cardiff three weeks ago, it looked as if they could go one better this season.
But Italy fell to defeat in France in Round Two, so Di Giandomenico’s team will be hoping to bounce back as they host a winless Scotland team.
Italy got the better of Scotland last season, winning 28-7 in Glasgow, and Di Giandomenico has made some alternations to his team as they look to go two from three in Rugby’s Greatest Championship.
Inside centre Beatrice Capomaggi drops out of the starting XV, with Aura Mozzo coming onto the wing as home-town hero Maria Magatti will start at 12 in Milan.
Both other changes are in the forwards, with Lucia Cammarano replacing Giada Franco at openside flanker, while Giordana Duca comes into the engine room, taking over from Valentina Ruzza at lock.
Head coach Andrea Di Giandomenico said: “The girls are concentrated and have prepared for this game in the best possible way thanks to the infrastructure we have in Parabiago.
“We have spoken of our performances against Wales and France and the aspects we have to improve. On Sunday it will be crucial from a physical perspective, we are up against a hardened Scotland team that is targeting this game to consolidate their growth. They are well organised, and balance their game well. It will be an interesting 80 minutes.”
Italy Women team to face Scotland:
15. Vittoria OSTUNI MINUZZI (Valsugana Rugby Padova) 14. Aura MUZZO (Arredissima Villorba Rugby) 13. Michela SILLARI (Valsugana R. Padova) 12. Maria MAGATTI (CUS Milano) 11. Sofia STEFAN (Valsugana Rugby Padova) 10. Beatrice RIGONI (Valsugana Rugby Padova) 9. Sara BARATTIN (Arredissima Villorba Rugby)
1. Silvia TURANI (HBS Colorno) 2. Melissa BETTONI (Stade Rennois) 3. Lucia GAI (Valsugana Rugby Padova) 4. Valeria FEDRIGHI (Stade Toulousain) 5. Giordana DUCA (Valsugana Rugby Padova) 6. Ilaria ARRIGHETTI (Rennes, Francia) 7. Lucia CAMMARANO (Rugby Belveneroverdi) 8. Elisa GIORDANO (Valsugana Rugby Padova) (c)
Replacements
16. Giulia CERATO (Valsugana Rugby Padova) 17. Erika SKOFCA (Valsugana Rugby Padova) 18. Michela MERLO (Rugby Mantova) 19. Sara TOUNESI (HBS Colorno) 20. Francesca SGORBINI (HBS Colorno) 21. Laura PAGANINI (CUS Milano) 22. Beatrice CAPOMAGGI (UR Capitolina) 23. Benedetta MANCINI (UR Capitolina)
