Italy’s women make their debut in Australia when they face Lebanon in a senior international at Lidcombe Oval, Sydney on Saturday 4 October (kick off 1pm local time). The match is part of a double header with the nation’s men’s sides who take the field at 3pm.
Italy women’s coach, Massimo Gregorio, commented: “What an honour it is to be the head coach of FIRLA women's rugby league as we approach our first match. Witnessing the girls proudly representing their heritage and families, understanding the sacrifices they have made to reach this point, is truly inspiring. This milestone signifies not only a significant achievement for the team but also highlights the importance of cultural pride and dedication in it.“
Gregorio has named Helensburgh Tigers’ Nikki Perugini as the inaugural skipper. “Pulling on the Italian jersey is about more than a game of rugby league, it’s about honouring those who came before us and inspiring the next generation of players to dream big,” she said. “We can’t wait to take the field for this historic match to showcase the passion, resilience and talent of our Italian women on the international stage.”
Lebanon women’s coach, Sam Sadat, noted: “I am extremely honoured and privileged to lead the Junipers again as we return to international rugby league. This represents an incredible opportunity for young Lebanese women to showcase their talent on the world stage and create a lasting legacy for our community. Our return marks a new chapter toward potential World Cup qualification in 2028.”
Italy’s men could hand out up to 12 debuts, with head coach Leo Epifania keen to look at the next generation of talent available. “I am sure the match should be a tough encounter with both sides determined to represent their heritage best they can. There is enough up and coming talent to make this a great game,” he confirmed.
Opposite number Mick Habib, who will be assisted by Tyrone McCarthy, Tony Bazouni, Sean Tabet and Richmond Saliba, said: “I have been involved with Lebanon since 2017 and we have unearthed some talented players who have gone on and represented Lebanon in the last World Cup. This group of players have been no different, great men and a pleasure to coach. We know that this group will wear the jersey with pride, and hopefully we can see someone from this team make their way into the World Cup Squad for next year.”
ITALY WOMEN’S SQUAD
Amali Ahmet (All Saints Toongabbie), Kiara Barnes (Briars Rugby Union), ), Ashleigh Maiuri (Brisbane Tigers), Kayla Fleming (Burleigh Bears), Takira Gaspari, Sofia Osman (Gungahlin Bulls), Nikki Perugini (Helensburgh Tigers), Grace Giampino (Newcastle Knights), Brandy Yallop (Northern Pride), Marissa Acquasanta, Rhiannon Gregorio, Tanaya Iraia, Brielle Luccitti, Deborah Wilson (Mounties), Josephine Lenaz (Parramatta Eels), Abbey Krzanic, Bronte Wilson (St George Dragons), Rebecca Pollard (Wests Tigers), Hanna Krzanic (Valley Diehards).
LEBANON WOMEN’S SQUAD
Kenzie Moujalli (All Saints Toongabbie tigers) Monica Dann , Eleni El Azar (Cabramatta Rugby League), Amirah El-Abdallah, Namoe Gesa (Brisbane Tigers), Sienna Deeley,Taylor Moussa (Central Coast Roosters), Antoinette Doueihi, Debbie Doueihi (Parramatta Eels), Amira Hamid (Penshurst ), Amal Dandan, Dalia Nabhan, Amelia Semrani, Myah Tumupu, Priscilla Younes, (St George Dragons), Safa LaaLaa, Jamilee McGregor ( St George Illawarra Dragons), Sienna Ibrahim (Souths Logan Magpies), Ebonie Moses, (West Newcastle Rosella) Salma Nour (Wests Tigers).
ITALY MEN’S SQUAD
James Borges (Blacktown Workers Rugby League Club), Massimo Mari (Bondi United), Damon Potts (Camden Rams), Jack Piccirilli (Dapto Canaries RLFC), Marco Moretti (Glebe Dirty Reds), Luke Wakefield (Hills Bulls), Nick Lenaz (North Qld Cowboys), Adrian Yenco (Marconi Stallions), Bryce Magnone (Shellharbour Sharks RLFC), Joel Saldeneri (St Marys Saints), Vince Romeo (Thirlmere Tahmoor Roosters), George Stamatatos (Ryde Eastwood RLFC), Aaron Carbonaro, Jayden Carbonaro, (Warringah Rugby Club), Zachary Farrugia (Wentworthville Magpies), Jackson Lenzo (Western Clydesdales), Lenny Plati (West Tigers Jersey Flegg RLFC), Dominic Biondi (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Noah De Molan (Young Cherrypickers RLFC).
LEBANON MEN’S SQUAD
Ibrahim El Cheikh, Ibrahim El Labban (Blacktown Workers), Moustafa Dirani (Cronulla), Daniel Ahmed Arahu (Glebe), Mikael Ibrahim (Gold Coast Titans), Joshua Maree, Kade Moujalli (Hills District), Jonathan Ibrahim, (Manly jersey Flegg) Hussen Said (Manly S G Ball), AJ (Abdallah Jacob) El-Ters, Mohamed Hadid, Ayman Maarbani (Moorebank), Mohamed Alameddine (Parramatta), Bilal El-Youseff (Ryde Eastwood Ron Massey Cup), Zachariah Nachar (St George Jersey Flegg), Xavier Ndaira (St George S G Ball), James Khoo (Sydney Roosters Jersey Flegg), Yeyha Ayache (South Sydney Jersey Flegg), Elias Abou-Mrad (Wentworthville)