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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 JJ Smuts brings 13 T20I caps from South Africa to Italy's lineup
- 2🏆 Wayne Madsen captains after Joe Burns' dramatic sacking post-qualifiers
- 3💡 Brothers Manenti and Mosca pairs add family fire to Group C underdogs
- 4🔮 Italy face Bangladesh first on Feb 9 in Kolkata—upset potential high
"Former South Africa international JJ Smuts has been named in Italy's 15-member squad for their maiden T20 World Cup appearance, with Wayne Madsen set to captain the side"
Italy have named their 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, marking the Azzurri's maiden appearance on the grand stage. The big talking point is the inclusion of former South Africa all-rounder JJ Smuts, bringing international pedigree to a side hungry to make waves. Wayne Madsen steps up as captain, replacing the sacked Joe Burns who led them through qualifiers but was controversially dropped.
Brothers and Battle-Hardened Stars
The squad boasts family flair with brothers Harry and Benjamin Manenti, plus Anthony and Justin Mosca ready to fire. Key names include Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Syed Naqvi, Jaspreet Singh, Grant Stewart, and Thomas Draca. Emilio Gay misses out due to injury, a blow for the qualifiers' hero. Italy earned their spot with a stunning Europe Qualifier 2025 run, stunning Scotland and Guernsey to finish second behind the Netherlands.
Coaching firepower comes from head coach John Davison, backed by Kevin O'Brien and Dougie Brown as assistants, with Peter Di Venuto as manager. Slotted in Group C with heavyweights England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Nepal, Italy kick off against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on February 9, followed by Nepal in Mumbai on February 12, then back to Kolkata for England (16th) and West Indies (19th). For Indian fans glued to the T20 World Cup action, this underdog story adds spice—can Smuts spark an upset in a group of giants?
Expect fireworks as the Azzurri chase glory in their debut dream.
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