Flanker Ilaria Arrighetti will lead Italy Women into their first fixture of the autumn after being named as captain by head coach Andrea Di Giandomenico.
Italy face Japan at the Fattori Stadium in L’Aquila on Saturday at 2.30pm as they look to build on an impressive 2019 Women’s Six Nations that saw the Azzurre usurp France for a second-place finish behind England – beating Les Bleues along the way.
Having last faced Japan in 2002 – a match that they won 30-3 – Italy welcome the Cherry Blossoms to L’Aquila for a long-overdue second meeting.
“Autumn Test matches are of great importance for the growth of our team,” said Giandomenico. “Last season we showed signs of growth that we want to continue in the coming months.
“We have a united group formed by experienced players and new talents. We will be focused on our performance, and hope to achieve a positive result.”
Captain Arrighetti is partnered in the back row by young Harlequins openside Giada Franco, and No.8 Elisa Giordano.
Camilla Sarasso is at full-back and joined in the back three by wings Maria Magatti and Sofia Stefan, while there’s a debut at fly-half for Laura Paganini.
Sara Barattin is set to earn her 90th cap at scrum-half, and there are further possible debuts on the bench for front row Giulia Cerato and back-three player Beatrice Capomaggi.
Italy Women: Camilla Sarasso, Maria Magatti, Michela Sillari, Beatrice Rigoni, Sofia Stefan, Laura Paganini, Sara Barattin, Silvia Turani, Lucia Cammarano, Lucia Gai, Valentina Ruzza, Giordana Duca, Ilaria Arrighetti, Giada Franco, Elisa Giordano
Replacements: Giulia Cerato, Michela Merlo, Sara Tounesi, Valeria Fedrighi, Isabella Locatelli, Francesca Sgorbini, Micol Cavina, Beatrice Capomaggi
Italy v Japan, 14:30 ITA Saturday 16 November, Stadio Tommaso Fattori
England v Italy, 15:00 Saturday 23 November, Goldington Road
You can buy tickets here and here
