Italian boxer Romina Marenda (L) punches during a training session at the Military Olympic Center in Rome, Oct 6, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Calabrese, 29, the team's wisecracking captain, agrees, seeing boxing as just another sport. Asked if her friends see her as unfeminine, the diminuitive flyweight declares: "No. Not at all. They are used to it.

"Perhaps when people first meet you, they say 'How could you be a boxer with that face?' But with people you know it is no longer a novelty or a surprising thing. It is normal."

Both boxers reflect a striking difference between the women boxers and the stereotypical man fighting his way out of economic hardship. They are older than their male counterparts - most of the team are in their late 20s - have university degrees and are articulate about their sport.

"I come from a normal family. But there are other realities. There are so many places where boxing is a salvation for so many young boys. In certain districts it really saves many boys," said Calabrese, who is Sicilian.

In parts of southern Italy, boxing is one of the few ways for boys to break out of a cycle of drugs and being drawn into the mafia. Most of Italy's boxers come from the deprived south.

"Most of us girls are normal. We come from tranquil, well-to-do families. For the boys it is a bit different. Many boys see their only hope in boxing," said Calabrese. "Girls get into this sport for other reasons".

But Marenda said they had something in common with the boys.

"I had a happy childhood and came from a simple family. But the thing we have in common is the idea of sacrifice, that nobody gives you anything for free."

Italian boxer Romina Marenda jumps rope during a training session at the Military Olympic Center in Rome, Oct 6, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]