Alissa Ranuccini (Italian pronunciation: [ranutˈtʃiːni]; born 28 June 2000) is an Italian international rugby union player who plays as flanker for the women's team of Rugby Colorno. Since 2023, she also represents Italy at senior level.

Alissa Ranuccini
Alissa Ranuccini in Parma, 2023
Ranuccini in July 2023 in Parma after a test match against Spain
Date of birth (2000-06-28) 28 June 2000 (age 24)
Place of birthPavullo nel Frignano
Height180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight73 kg (161 lb; 11 st 7 lb)
UniversityUniversity of Parma
Occupation(s)Rugby union player
Biotechnology student
Rugby union career
Position(s) flanker
Current team Colorno Women
Youth career
2013-2014 Formigine Women
2014-2015 CUS Ferrara Women
2016-2017 Colorno Women
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2017- Colorno Women ()
Correct as of 3 November 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2023-  Italy 8 (5)
Correct as of 3 November 2023

Biography

edit

Ranuccini was born in Pavullo nel Frignano, a town in Emilia-Romagna. Formerly an artistic gymnast, having grown too tall for the sport around age 13, she switched to rugby union and started attending Formigine Highlanders, the same club where her older brother used to play.[1] She then moved to the girls' youth squad of CUS Ferrara Rugby then, after one year of hiatus due to a knee injury, was admitted to Colorno Women's academy in 2017.[1] During her time there she was capped by the Italian U-18 national team.[1]

Ranuccini debuted in 2017–18 in Colorno's first squad and won the Italian championship beating the incumbent holder Valsugana 29-20 in the grand final in Calvisano that same year.[2] Ranuccini contributed to the final success with a try in the semi-final against Villorba.[3]

Though part of the national team since 2022, she didn't play in the Women's World Cup 2021 (played in October 2022). She was called up to the squad by head coach Raineri for the 2023 Six Nations,[4] during which she debuted in Parma against Ireland (win 24–7).[5]

Ranuccini scored her first international try in Cape Town against South Africa during the 2023 WXV 2.[6]

Ranuccini graduated in biotechnologies from the University of Parma.[1]

Honours

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d "Nel nome di Alissa, quando il rugby è donna anche a Modena" [In the name of Alissa, when rugby is woman in Modena too] (in Italian). Higlander Formigine Rugby. 4 June 2019. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Serie A femminile, il Colorno è campione d'Italia: battuto 29-20 il Valsugana" [Women's Serie A: Colorno crowned champions, Valsugana beaten 29-20]. Italian Rugby Federation. 2 June 2018. Archived from the original on 2 June 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  3. ^ "Le Furie Rosse battono Villorba e volano in finale" [The Red Fury beat Villorba and go to the grand final] (in Italian). Rugby Colorno. 27 May 2018. Archived from the original on 27 May 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  4. ^ "Sei Nazioni femminile, ct Raineri convoca 36 azzurre" [Women's Six Nations, head coach Raineri calls 36 players]. la Nuova Sardegna (in Italian). Sassari. 6 March 2023. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  5. ^ Massimo Calandri (15 April 2023). "Rugby femminile, Sei Nazioni: l'Italia batte l'Irlanda a Parma" [Women's rugby union: Italy beat Ireland in Parma]. la Repubblica (in Italian). Rome. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  6. ^ "WXV. Vittoria e bonus per l'Italia: Sudafrica battuto 36-18" [WXV. Italy win with bonus point. South Africa beaten 36-18] (in Italian). Italian Rugby Federation. 20 October 2023. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2023.