While Italy is renowned for its football legacy and has produced legends like Maldini and Pirlo, a different sport is gaining momentum. In a remarkable turn of events, the Italian cricket team has defied expectations and secured a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup. In 2022, West Indies failed — but a country like Italy, which lacks pitches, has done it!”
From Football Giants to Cricket Contenders
Italy’s national football team has recently faced challenges, failing to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cups. However, this period of struggle has coincided with a historic achievement for its cricket team. This is a story of how a nation with a rich footballing tradition is now making its mark on the international cricket stage.
A History of Perseverance
Cricket has been present in Italy since the 19th century but has never achieved widespread popularity. The sport’s development began in the 1990s, largely driven by immigrants from cricketing nations. Italy was granted ICC Associate Nation status in 1995, paving the way for its growth.
The Architect of Success: Gareth Berg
The team’s recent success can be attributed to South African-born player Gareth Berg, who took on the dual role of player and head coach in 2021. Berg introduced a new fitness-focused culture and actively recruited talented players from around the world with Italian heritage, transforming the team into a competitive force.
Meet the Key Players
- Grant Stewart: An Australian-origin all-rounder with Italian heritage, Stewart was instrumental in the qualifying match against Scotland with his impressive performance with both bat and ball.
- Joe Burns: A former Australian opener, Burns became the team captain and led them to victory. He plays for Italy to honor his late brother’s dream of playing in a World Cup.
- Krishan Kalugamage & Harry Manenti: These two bowlers, from Sri Lanka and Australia respectively, were crucial in the team’s qualification, consistently taking key wickets throughout the tournament.
The Road to Glory
A significant turning point was Italy’s victory against Scotland on July 9th. Even after losing their final match to the Netherlands, their superior net run rate was enough to secure their spot in the World Cup. Despite challenges like limited cricket infrastructure, the team is working hard to foster a cricket culture in Italy. Their next major goal is to qualify for the Olympics, where T20 cricket is now a part of the games.