Italy name experienced squad as Sciamanna begins WXV tenure against Japan

Plinio Sciamanna has turned to experience for his first match as Italy women’s head coach, naming a settled Azzurre squad to face Japan in the WXV Global Series opener at Stadio Omero Tognon on Saturday.

Vittoria Minuzzi captains the side from full-back, with Emma Stevanin directing play at fly-half. New Gloucester Hartpury hooker Vittoria Vecchini earns a starting berth in the front row alongside Silvia Turani and Vittoria Zanette, while Francesca Sgorbini and Giordana Duca are also named in the starting XV.

The match carries added significance on the Japanese side of the touchline. Saturday also serves as Toshizumi Kitagawa’s first game as permanent Japan head coach, having been confirmed as Lesley McKenzie’s successor after guiding the Sakura Fifteen to Asia Rugby Women’s Championship glory as interim earlier this year. Scrum-half Moe Tsukui features in his squad, while Jennifer Nduka continues her growing role in the back row following a strong showing at the 2026 Asia Rugby Women’s Championship.

The two nations have met just seven times previously, with Italy holding a commanding six wins to Japan’s one. That solitary Japanese victory came in dramatic fashion — a 25-24 result in 2023 — giving Kitagawa’s squad a recent benchmark to draw confidence from.

Beyond Saturday’s opener, Italy’s WXV schedule includes home fixtures against the Springbok Women before a trip to the United States for two Tests against the Women’s Eagles. Japan, meanwhile, face Ireland next week and are also scheduled for a Test outside the WXV window against Scott Bemand’s side in early October, followed by back-to-back matches against Wales.

Italy: Vittoria Minuzzi (capt), Aura Muzzo, Alyssa D’Incà, Sara Mannini, Francesca Granzotto, Emma Stevanin, Sofia Stefan; Silvia Turani, Vittoria Vecchini, Vittoria Zanette; Alessandra Frangipani, Giordana Duca, Margherita Tonellotto, Alissa Ranuccini, Francesca Sgorbini. Replacements: Chiara Cheli, Laura Foscato, Alessia Pilani, Giulia Cavina, Beatrice Veronese, Alia Bitonci, Beatrice Rigoni, Natascia Aggio.

Japan: Maiko Nishi; Sora Nishimura, Haruka Hirotsu, Mana Furuta, Komachi Imakugi; Sawa Harada, Moe Tsukui; Hinata Komaki, Asuka Kuge, Wako Kitano; Masami Kawamura, Yuna Sato, Nami Asari, Sakurako Korai, Jennifer Nduka. Replacements: Moe Nagaoka, Nami Yoshida, Juka Fuji, Otoka Yoshimura, Mele Yua Havili Kagawa, Anan Seo, Kanna Hayashi, Uta Kataoka.