On 22 June 1985, the Italian women's national team made their international debut against France.

In 1988 Italy participated in the first European championship organized in Bourg-en-Bresse in France by the local women's club.

The inaugural edition of this championship, while significant for being the first competition for women's national teams, was never recognized as official by FIRA.

Their first commitment was the selection of the team for the inaugural edition of the World Cup which was held in April of that same year in Wales.

In 1995 they came third in the European championship organized at home in Treviso, a result equaled one year later in Madrid, Spain.