Granzotto Leads Six Nations Opener
Exeter Chiefs winger Francesca Granzotto has been named in Italy’s starting XV for the opening Guinness Women’s Six Nations match. She will wear the number 11 jersey against France at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:25 BST on Saturday.
Form and club season
Granzotto joined Exeter after last year’s Rugby World Cup. Her arrival included an early taste of Sandy Park, where Italy faced France in the pool stage.
She has played nine times for the Chiefs this season. Granzotto has scored three tries, including a notable effort against Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop. The 24-year-old has spoken about enjoying the growing crowds at women’s matches.
International experience
Granzotto made her Italy debut against Canada in July 2022. She arrives at this fixture with 24 caps and will make her 25th appearance this weekend.
Italy starting XV (vs France)
| No. | Player (Club) | Caps |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi (Valsugana Rugby Padova) | 44 |
| 14 | Aura Muzzo (LOU Rugby) | 58 |
| 13 | Alyssa D’Incà (Blagnac Rugby) | 35 |
| 12 | Sara Mannini (Rugby Colorno) | 12 |
| 11 | Francesca Granzotto (Exeter Chiefs) | 24 |
| 10 | Veronica Madia (Blagnac Rugby) | 60 |
| 9 | Alia Bitonci (Valsugana Rugby Padova) | 10 |
| 1 | Silvia Turani (Harlequins) | 47 |
| 2 | Vittoria Vecchini (Valsugana Rugby Padova) | 41 |
| 3 | Alessia Pilani (Stade Bordelais Rugby) | 9 |
| 4 | Valeria Febrighi (Rugby Colorno) | 67 |
| 5 | Giordana Duca (Valsugana Rugby Padova) | 60 |
| 6 | Francesca Sgorbini (ASM Clermont Rugby) | 37 |
| 7 | Alissa Ranuccini (LOU Rugby) | 18 |
| 8 | Elisa Giordano (Captain, Valsugana Rugby Padova) | 78 |
Replacements
- 16 Chiara Cheli (Rugby Colorno) – uncapped
- 17 Gaia Maris (Valsugana Rugby Padova) – 42 caps
- 18 Vittoria Zanette (LOU Rugby) – 2 caps
- 19 Elettra Costantini (Valsugana Rugby Padova) – uncapped
- 20 Beatrice Veronese (RCTPM Toulon) – 31 caps
- 21 Sofia Stefan (RCTPM Toulon) – 101 caps
- 22 Emma Stevanin (Valsugana Rugby Padova) – 27 caps
- 23 Gaia Buso (Villorba Rugby) – 4 caps
Granzotto will start in Italy’s Six Nations opener and aim to make an impact. The match offers a chance for her to build on club form and extend her international record.
Report for Filmogaz.com.
