Senior International Matches (Women)

Sat 4th October 2025   - KO  13:00 - Lidcombe Oval, Sydney , Australia
Official: Isaac El-Hassan (Australia)

Italy

28

FT

36

Half Time
24 - 8

Lebanon

Tries

Marissa Acquasanta (70)
Brandy Yallop (5,16,29)
Kayla Fleming (34,37)

Sienna Ibrahim (12,48,52,57)
Amelia Semrani (64)
Salma Nour (42)
Dalia Nabhan (25)

Goals

Brielle Luccitti (2/6)

Eleni Azar (0/2)
Jamilee McGregor (2/5)

Match Preview: Italy and Lebanon name women's squads for Saturday 4th October

Italy’s women 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 Italy and Lebanon men’s sides, who take the field at 3pm.

Italy women’s coach, Massimo Gregorio, commented: “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
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
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).

2 October 2025
1 Rebecca Pollard
Full Back
Debbie Doueihi 1
2 Marissa Acquasanta
Right Wing
Eleni Azar 2
3 Brielle Luccitti
Right Centre
Kenzie Moujalli 3
4 Kiara Barnes
Left Centre
Sienna Ibrahim 4
5 Brandy Yallop
Left Wing
Amelia Semrani 5
9 Nikki Perugini
Stand Off
Amirah El Abdallah 6
6 Rhiannon Gregorio
Scrum Half
Salma Nour 7
8 Bronte Wilson
Prop
Sienna Deeley 8
13 Kayla Fleming
Hooker
Dalia Nabhan 9
10 Deborah Wilson
Prop
Taylor Moussa 10
11 Josephine Lenaz
Second Row
Amal Dandan 11
17 Ashleigh Maiuri
Second Row
Ebonie Moses 12
12 Abbey Krzanic
Loose Forward
Jamilee McGregor 13
14 Amali Ahmet
Int 1
Priscilla Younes 14
7 Hannah Krzanic
Int 2
Myah Tumupu 19
15 Takira Gaspari
Int 3
Monica Dann 16
16 Sofia Osman
Int 4
18 Alyssa Gattellari
Reserve 1
Match Report: Lebanon women come from behind to down Italy 28-36 at Lidcombe Oval

A sensational comeback saw Lebanon’s women defeat Italy as part of a doubleheader at Lidcombe Oval, Sydney. The Junipers trailed 24-8 at the start of the second half, but led by centre Sienna Ibrahim who crossed four times, hit back to win 36-28.

Italy started supremely well, winger Brandy Yallop crossing for a hat trick inside the opening half hour, Kayla Fleming also going over twice in three minutes just before the break.

The second half was all Lebanon, Ibrahim who had scored first for them adding three more in nine minutes at the start of the second half to signal the revival.

Italy women’s coach, Massimo Gregorio, said: “We tried hard, fought to the end and it was a very special moment for the Italians. We can only grow from here.”

“Credit to the Azzuri on an awesome performance,” noted Lebanon women’s coach Sam Saadat. “I’m proud of the way the Lebanese girls dug deep in a hard fight to win.”

4 October 2025