This is the first scheduled bronze-tier competition on the Tour since the stop in San Sebastián in November, when Burundi's Rodrigue Kwizera won the men's race and Ethiopia's Zenebu Fikadu triumphed in the women's.

At the last edition of the Cross della Vallagarina in 2020, Maestri became the first Italian man to clinch gold on home soil since 2007 when the race also served as the National Championships.

Kenya's Levy Kibet should challenge again in Italy having finished second at the gold event at San Vittore Olona last Sunday (January 30), as well as Ethiopia's Tadese Takele who finished just one position outside the podium.

Samuel Kibet of Uganda is another notable name expected to start in Rovereto.

Italy's hopes of success in the women's race may rest on the shoulders of Giovanna Selva and Rebecca Lonedo, who were placed seventh and eighth respectively at San Vittore Olona.

Klara Lukan from Slovenia was the top performer last weekend from those on the start list having earned bronze.

Kenya's Lucy Muli, who is third in the season's standings on the Cross Country Tour, was placed fourth at San Vittore Olona and is likely to be a contender.

Burundi's Francine Niyomukunzi, the winner of the Cross Internacional Zornoza in Amorebieta-Etxano, adds to a strong line-up.

Four more gold events are scheduled on this season's Cross Country Tour after Rovereto, including the one in Eldoret in Kenya next Saturday (February 12).