Italy target Springbok Women rematch after WXV rout of Japan reignites World Cup grudge

Italy swept aside Japan 55-21 in their WXV Global Series opener at Stadio Omero Tognon in Fontanafredda, and now Sara Mannini and her teammates have their sights firmly set on the side that ended their World Cup campaign: South Africa.

The result extended Italy’s recent run to three wins from their last four matches, following victories over Scotland and Wales in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. Ten tries underlined the quality of their performance, with Aura Muzzo crossing twice and Alessandra Frangipani adding another inside the opening ten minutes as Italy imposed their off-loading game from the outset.

“The World Cup left a bad taste in the mouth,” Mannini told RugbyPass. “On Saturday we want to right the record, and I want to make up for missing the quarter-finals of the World Cup, so I can’t wait for Saturday.”

At Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, South Africa eliminated Italy after a slow Azzurre start allowed the Springbok Women to build a two-try cushion. Despite fighting back in the second half, Italy could not find an answer to Sinazo Mcatshulwa’s decisive try and were knocked out. The rematch takes place at the same Fontanafredda venue, sparing Italy the disruption of travel between fixtures.

The match also marks a fresh chapter for Italian women’s rugby. Plinio Sciamanna took over as head coach from Fabio Roselli in August, and full-back Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi captained the side for the first time against Japan — both debuting with a commanding win.

Mannini herself is navigating a period of significant personal change. The 21-year-old, who played the full 80 minutes against Japan, is set to join Harlequins in the Premiership Women’s Rugby once international duty concludes.

“We all know it is the strongest league in the world and will give me the chance to challenge myself against players I wouldn’t face in Italy,” she said. “I am joining a team with lots of young players, but with an experienced staff who want to keep us at the highest level. It will be a big challenge, but I can’t wait to get started.”

For now, though, the focus is squarely on Saturday. “We want to make up for losing to them in the World Cup,” Mannini added. “It will be a tricky match, but we are ready to dig in and continue what we have been doing to be as best prepared as possible.”