Match Highlights: Football giants Italy begin maiden Cricket World Cup campaign – Key Moments

Football’s four-time world champions Italy are set to script an unlikely new chapter on cricket’s biggest stage when they begin their maiden ICC T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland here on Monday.

Known globally as the Azzurri for their footballing pedigree, Italy have emerged as one of the tournament’s most intriguing debutants after qualifying through the European regional qualifiers last July. The Italians finished second behind the Netherlands on net run rate, alongside Jersey, to seal their first appearance at the expanded 20-team global event.

While cricket has long lived in the shadows of football in Italy, the sport’s roots date back to 1793, when English naval hero Horatio Nelson is believed to have organised a recorded match in Naples. Vestiges of that history remain, with Genoa CFC and AC Milan originally founded as cricket and football clubs.

Today, Italy do not possess a single turf wicket, but the game survives through around 4,000 registered male players and nearly 80 clubs competing in a two-tier league. The national side reflects Italy’s modern diaspora, featuring players of Italian heritage and first- or second-generation immigrants.

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Captain Wayne Madsen, South African-born and eligible through his Italian grandmother, leads the side two decades after representing South Africa in international hockey. The squad also includes former South Africa all-rounder JJ Smuts, Sri Lanka-born bowler Crishan Kalugamage and England-born wicketkeeper Marcus Campopiano, alongside Australian brothers Harry and Ben Manenti and Anthony and Justin Mosca.

Despite the achievement, cricket’s rise has barely registered at home. “I’m sure no more than 10 per cent in the country knows that Italy is making its debut in T20 World Cup,” a team member said.

Madsen, however, believes interest will grow. “I know there have been some articles in local papers… once the games start on television, that is only going to grow further and further,” he said.

Italy arrive with confidence, having beaten Ireland in a warm-up series and previously stunned Scotland in the qualifiers — a result that ultimately paved their path to the World Cup.