Italy has spectacularly secured its place in the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup, marking a historic milestone for the team as it qualified for the cricket World Cup for the first time. By achieving second place in the T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 2025, Italy ensured its path to the 2026 tournament hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
Football remains a beloved sport in Italy, although the Italian football team missed qualifying for the last two FIFA World Cups. There remains uncertainty about Italy's participation in the 2026 World Cup. Regardless, the cricket team has successfully clinched a spot in the T20 World Cup.
Which Countries Are Represented in Italy’s Team?
The crucial role of overseas players was evident in securing Italy’s T20 World Cup ticket. Amongst the 11 players who played against the Netherlands, five hailed from Australia, two were of Asian origin, two were linked to Britain, and two players were of Italian descent.
1. Thomas Drecca:
Born in Sydney, Thomas Drecca made headlines by registering for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. His mother is of Italian descent from a village near Naples, enabling him to explore cricket opportunities with Italy.
2. Joe Burns:
Known to fans, Joe Burns played 23 Tests and 6 ODIs for Australia. Following the passing of his brother Dominic in 2024, Burns opted to represent Italy. His maternal grandparents were from Calabria, which eased his transition to the Italian team.
Source: aajtak
3. Harry John Manenti:
Representing Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), Harry Manenti became the first Italian player to take five wickets in a T20 International. Born in Australia, Harry's journey began at the grassroots level, earning him the 'Player of the Series' title in the T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier.
4. Ben Manenti:
The elder brother of Harry, Ben Manenti, also plays for Italy. A proficient off-spin bowler, Ben represented Sydney Sixers and Tasmania in Australia. Their Italian grandmother allowed both Manenti brothers to play for Italy.
5. Grant Stewart:
Born in Australia, Grant Stewart joins the Italian team through his Italian mother. He debuted in first-class cricket for Kent in 2017 and has scored over 2000 runs and taken more than 100 wickets.
6. Emilio Gay:
The 25-year-old Emilio, born in Bradford, England, has Italian roots via his mother. Emilio found ease in joining Italy's cricket team and has recently played in two first-class matches against India-A with the England Lions.
7. Marcus Campopiano:
Wicketkeeper-batsman Marcus Campopiano was born in Tower Hamlets, England. At 30, Marcus has represented Italy in 22 T20 Internationals and 19 List-A matches.
8. Justin Mosca:
Italian-born Justin Mosca developed a passion for cricket at a young age, which drove him to pursue the sport professionally. As a left-handed batsman, Justin has played 17 T20 Internationals and 9 List-A matches for Italy.
Source: aajtak
9. Anthony Joseph Mosca:
Right-handed batsman Anthony Mosca, born in August 1991, played extensive club cricket before joining the Italian team. Anthony has featured in 15 T20 Internationals and 19 List-A matches for Italy.
10. Jasprit Singh:
Born in Phagwara, Punjab, Jasprit Singh is a medium-fast bowler. At 32, Jasprit has competed in 24 T20 Internationals and 21 List A matches for Italy.
11. Krishan Kalugamage:
Of Sri Lankan origin, Krishan Kalugamage is a right-arm off-break bowler. At 34, he has represented Italy in 15 T20 Internationals and 13 List-A matches.
