TikTok Women's Six Nations: Italy in Focus

Italy have been quietly building a strong side for a number of years but 2023 presents a new challenge for Le Azzurre. Gone are long-serving coach Andrea Di Giandomenico and legendary captain Manuela Furlan, in their place are Giovanni Raineri and Elisa Giordano. Ad The 2023 TikTok Women's Six Nations is an opportunity for the new guard to show they are still on track to be the best of the rest.

RugbyOpoku-Fordjour eyeing up Under-20 World Cup targetAN HOUR AGO Coach — Giovanni Raineri While coaching Italy will be the first time Giovanni Raineri has guided a women's team, he has plenty of experience representing the national team. He was part of Italy's Six Nations team between 2001 and 2003 before switching to coaching. While learning the coaching ropes, he was able to witness four South African legends up close, including World Cup-winning director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.

The 2023 Championship is a chance to see what is possible for this Italy side, and for him. Captain — Elisa Giordano After the Rugby World Cup, Italy bid goodbye to a whole host of legends including Furlan, Maria Magatti and Melissa Bettoni. And while Sara Barattin has made a surprise return to the squad, Elisa Giordano has been selected to lead Italy's new era.

The back row has represented Le Azzurre 60 times and is known as Polipo (Octopus) because she catches everything. She guided Italy during the World Cup last year with Furlan limited to a replacement role but is now ready to skipper the side full-time. Star player — Beatrice Rigoni Beatrice Rigoni was one of two Italian players to be named in the 2022 TikTok Women's Six Nations Team of the Championship, alongside the now-retired Magatti.