Italy’s cricket board has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, naming experienced batter Wayne Madsen as captain. The squad has drawn significant attention due to the inclusion of two pairs of brothers, an unusual feature that has sparked considerable interest ahead of the tournament.
The first sibling duo consists of Harry and Benjamin Manenti, while the second pair includes Anthony and Justin Mosca. Cricket analysts believe that having two sets of brothers in the same team could enhance cohesion, on-field understanding, and morale, potentially giving Italy an edge in crucial matches.
Adding further strength to the batting lineup is former South African international JJ Smuts, whose extensive experience at the highest level is expected to bolster Italy’s performance under pressure.
Italy has also opted for a leadership change, placing their trust in Wayne Madsen after previously being led by Joe Burns, an Australian-born cricketer. Burns captained the team through the European qualifiers but was removed from the role late last year and was not included in the World Cup squad.
Italy secured its World Cup berth by finishing second behind the Netherlands in the July 2025 European regional qualifiers, a performance that highlighted the team’s growing competitiveness on the European stage. The squad will be guided by head coach John Davison, with Kevin O’Brien and Dougie Brown serving as assistant coaches.
In the T20 World Cup, Italy has been placed in Group C, alongside Bangladesh, England, Nepal, and the West Indies. The team is scheduled to begin their campaign against Bangladesh on 9 February. However, ongoing venue-related issues for Bangladesh have led to discussions about potential group reshuffling, meaning Italy must remain vigilant regarding the final match schedule.
Italy T20 World Cup Squad:
| Player | Role / Notes |
|---|---|
| Wayne Madsen | Captain, Batter |
| Marcus Campopiano | Batter |
| Gian Piero Mide | Batter |
| Zain Ali | All-rounder |
| Ali Hasan | Bowler |
| Cristian George | Batter |
| Harry Manenti | Batter, Manenti Brother |
| Benjamin Manenti | Batter, Manenti Brother |
| Anthony Mosca | All-rounder, Mosca Brother |
| Justin Mosca | All-rounder, Mosca Brother |
| Syed Nakvi | Bowler |
| Jaspreet Singh | Batter |
| JJ Smuts | Batter, Former South Africa International |
| Grant Stewart | Bowler |
| Thomas Draca | All-rounder |
With a mix of experienced internationals, emerging talents, and the unique dynamic of sibling pairs, Italy enters the T20 World Cup with both enthusiasm and ambition, aiming to make a mark on the global stage.