Italy have named a 15-member squad for thier first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 appearance, with former South Africa all-rounder JJ Smuts included in the side.
The Italian team will make their World Cup debut against Bangladesh on 9 February at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The 42-year-old Wayne Madsen will lead the Azurri squad in the 20-team tournament.
Among the notable inclusions are Smuts, who previously played for South Africa in 13 T20Is and six ODIs. However, their ace batter Emilio Gay missed out due to an injury.
Overall, Smuts has extensive First-Class experience, with 118 matches to his name. The right-handed batter has amassed 6315 runs at an average of 32.89 with the aid of 10 centuries and 33 half-centuries.
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Italy’s historic World Cup qualification comes on the back of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 2025, where the team finished second after beating strong and experienced Scotland and Guernsey.
Interestingly, Joe Burns, the former Australian opener who led the side in the tournament, was axed from the team ahead of the mega event.
The team’s coaching staff will be led by John Davison as head coach, with former Ireland cricketer Kevin O’Brien and Douglas Brown serving as assistant coaches. Meanwhile, Peter Di Venuto will serve as the team’s manager.
Italy has been placed in Group C alongside two of the tournament’s successful teams, England and West Indies, along with Bangladesh and Nepal.
The T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on 7 February across India and Sri Lanka.
Italy squad:
Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.
Italy World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Mon, Feb 09 Bangladesh 11:00 AM Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Thu, Feb 12 Nepal 3:00 PM Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Mon, Feb 16 England 3:00 PM Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Thu, Feb 19 West Indies 11:00 AM Eden Gardens, Kolkata