The Azzurre are now on a high; quite literally, as they sit in fifth place in world rankings, their best ever, just ahead of the USA.
The squad was given the big send-off at the Stadio Olimpico. It was shown live on FIR’s TV, via YouTube.
Seven representatives of the great and good spread across the top table, from within and beyond the world of rugby. All were allowed to make a speech, some at length. You had to hope that only the players included in the squad were invited along. 40 minutes and more of speechifying is not the best prelude to bad news.
The occasion was reminiscent of a parallel presentation in New Zealand last November which some observers condemned as boring (= too many speeches`).
It was good to see the Azzurre offered such a prominent occasion, though it wasn’t evident what the representatives of RAI and Sky could add to everyone’s enjoyment.
When the last speech was complete, all the VIPs forsook the high table, and practical matters could take centre stage.
After some 50 minutes Andrea Di Giandomenico came to sit alone before the assembled masses, a list in his hand. He too made a speech, then introduced his captain, Elisa Giordano, who came in turn to the platform to say a few word of thanks.
Then at last Di Giandomenico presented his list.
The squad:
Elisa Giordano (captain), Ilaria Arrighetti, Sara Barattin, Francesca Barro, Melissa Bettoni, Beatrice Campomaggi, Alyssa D’Inca, Giordana Duca, Valeria Fedrighi, Giada Franco, Manuela Furlan, Lucia Gai, Francesca Granzotto, Isabella Locatelli, Veronica Madia, Maria Magatti, Gaia Maris, Michela Merlo, Aura Muzzo, Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Beatrice Rigoni, Sofia Rolfi, Sara Seye,Francesca Sgorbini, Michela Sillari, Emanuela Stecca, Sofia Stefan, Emma Stevanin, Sara Tounesi, Silvia Turani, Vittoria Vecchini, Beatrice Veronese
In Pool B they are due to play Canada, USA and Japan.
