By Cameron Stephens

It is the beginning of a new Italian era as Le Azzure must navigate the tournament without some key players.
After finishing fifth in last year’s edition, registering wins over Wales and Scotland, Italy backed it up with an impressive World Cup run, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time ever.

There has been change aplenty since then with Giovanni Raineri now in charge and the key figures of Sara Barrattin, Italy women’s record cap-holder, Manuela Furlan and Melissa Bettino all retiring.

However, prop Silvia Turani is excited about the prospect of beginning a ne...