Sgorbini, Italy's young veteran

That being said, the 25-year-old from the Adriatic coast possesses a gravity that numbers struggle to quantify.

Fresh from being named the Round 3 Weekend MVP with a commanding 42% of the fan vote, the back-rower is preparing for the ultimate litmus test: a collision with the world-conquering Red Roses. Fresh off a destructive performance against Scotland, the 25-year-old represents the bridge between Italy’s gritty past and its expansive, professionalised future.

• Helena Rowland set for 50th cap against Italy

We sat down to discuss her "young veteran" status, the evolution of the Azzurre pathway, and why England’s war machine might just have a few chinks in its armour.

First things first: the MVP award. You saw off names like Meg Jones and Marlie Packer with 42% of the vote. Did you see that coming?

"Honestly, no. It was a complete surprise," says Sgorbini, who has spent the last few days splitting her time between her club base at France's ASM Romagnat, and her family home in Pesaro. "When I saw the other candidates - especially with two English players in the mix - I didn’t think I stood a chance. But receiving that much support, especially from Italy, was beautiful. Considering the names on that list, I told myself, 'Yeah, right, I’ll never win this.' It’s a huge recognition."

It wasn't just a popularity contest, though. Your performance against Scotland was near complete. Is that high-volume, all-court style where you feel most comfortable?

"I’d say so. Carrying the ball forward is a hallmark of my game. I like to be involved in as many situations as possible. That is the life of a back-rower; it requires constant intervention on both sides of the ball. But I have the most fun in attack when I can play with the ball in my hands."

The data backs you up. You are currently among the top performers for carries in the Championship, and the leading forward in that category.

"I didn't even know that! It’s always nice to see that what you do on the pitch is reflected in the statistical data. It’s a testament to the consistency of the performances."

Italy’s back row has been the one constant for Fabio Roselli this tournament: Giordano, Sgorbini, and Ranuccini. How is that chemistry developing?

"Very well. We are different players but complementary. I am more about physicality and impact - the heavy carrie - while Elisa [Giordano] and Alissa [Ranuccini] are faster and vital at the lineout. We complete each other. It’s also great to see youngsters like Margherita Tonellotto coming in; they bring a fresh energy."

At 25, you are technically still a young player, yet you are already one of the most experienced heads in camp. Do you feel like a reference point for the new generation?

"It feels a bit strange because I still feel young! But I try to help. I’m not someone who talks a lot, but I try to lead by example on the pitch. I know how emotional and stressful it can be to enter this group for the first time.

"Margherita, for example, was incredibly agitated before the last game. I just told her to think about having fun. I still remember my debut at 18 - I was so nervous. Looking back, I realise I was worried about nothing."

The new generation arrives through a more structured pathway - U18 Festivals, Summer Series, and now the U21 Six Nations. That’s a world away from your debut, isn't it?

"It’s a massive advantage. We arrived directly into the deep end. I was 17 at my first camp and debuted at 18. Now, there are intermediate steps that help players grow gradually. It makes the transition feel more natural and reduces the gap with senior players.

"I remember arriving at camp and seeing Sara Barattin. At first, I said to myself, 'I can’t sit at the table next to her, what would I even talk about?' Those barriers are breaking down now. Someone like Margherita or Elena Errichiello enters a group where they already know the mechanisms and some of the girls. The age gap feels less accentuated."

Looking at 2026: two difficult losses to start, followed by the breakthrough against Scotland. What is the mood in the Italian camp today?

"The first two games were hard, emotionally as much as physically. We needed a performance like the one against Scotland. We weren't just looking for a win; we wanted to find our rhythm again and the pleasure of being on the pitch. There is more serenity now - you can perceive it in the camp."

Now comes England. They are unbeaten in the Championship since 2018 and averaging over 50 points a game. How do you approach a juggernaut like that?

"The numbers speak for themselves. It won’t be easy, and we are all aware of that, but that can’t be an excuse. Personally, I find it motivating. We have the chance to show what we can do against the best team in the world.

"I think we can put them in difficulty, especially with our defence. They are very structured and rely on impact, but if you can break their patterns, they can start to have doubts. I think back to the game in York last year - in the second half, we contained them very well."

You’ll be facing some of the world's best in that back-row battle.

"Yes, they have incredible players. I admire the consistency of someone like Maddie Feaunati. As a back-rower, you have to keep producing that work: advancing the ball, making the tackles. In these games, you need continuity even when things aren't going your way."

After England, you finish against Wales. Given your history in Cardiff, is that the ultimate target?

"It’s huge. We lost there two years ago, and it’s a difficult place to play. Wales have improved significantly since the World Cup, so the England game is a vital stepping stone to ensure we are ready for that challenge."

Playing in France, you have a front-row seat to the title race. Will Les Bleues finally topple the Red Roses in Bordeaux?

"I really hope so, for the sake of the friends I have in that team. They are playing well and the home crowd in Bordeaux will be a massive factor. England has incredible individuals who work together like a machine, but even they have weak points. France feels the home advantage deeply; it could be the deciding factor."

Finally, a personal note. You shared your MVP moment in Parma with Silvia Turani’s 50th cap. That seemed like a special coincidence.

"It was a beautiful moment. Silvia and I have shared so much, even off the pitch. To receive that recognition on the same day as her 50th cap made it magical. At the end of the match, she joked with the cameras, saying, 'See what happens when you share a room with me?'

"Our rugby destinies have always been intertwined: roommates at Colorno, moving abroad at the same time, even getting injured together. Sharing the joy of her 50th with my MVP award... it made the whole day perfect."