Roselli takes over the role from Giovanni Raineri, beginning in January with a focus on preparing for the upcoming Guinness Women's Six Nations.
The announcement took the women's rugby scene in Italy by surprise. Raineri, a former Italy centre with 22 caps, took the reins in December 2022 after the Rugby World Cup. Over two years, he guided Italy through the Guinness Women’s Six Nations and WXV tournaments, securing historic achievements including a maiden win in Ireland during the 2024 Championship and qualification for next year's Rugby World Cup in England.
Raineri will now transition to a role at Italy's U18 permanent training centre in Rome. His replacement, Roselli, is a former Italy wing, who brings with him decades of coaching experience, having worked with Italy’s youth teams and senior sevens squad, as well as club success with Rugby Roma. His career highlights as a player include winning the FIRA Trophy and competing in the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
Roselli expressed gratitude to the FIR and Raineri for their work, vowing to build on the team’s solid foundation. “I’m honoured to lead this talented group,” Roselli said, underlining his commitment to preparing for challenges in 2025 including the Guinness Women’s Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup.
The new coach faces an immediate challenge, with Italy opening their 2025 Championship campaign against reigning champions England on 23 March at York’s LNER Community Stadium. A week later, Italy will host Ireland at Parma’s Sergio Lanfranchi Stadium.
Fans will now eagerly await the next chapter under Roselli’s leadership.
