MILAN: Italy are preparing for a historic first appearance at the Twenty20 World Cup, hoping a strong showing next month can help cricket gain a foothold in a football-mad country with little tradition in the sport.
A multicultural squad featuring players with British, Australian, South Asian and South African roots, Italy caught attention by qualifying for the 20-team tournament in India and Sri Lanka. Ranked 28th in the world, they became the lowest-ranked nation to reach the World Cup after a stunning upset over Scotland in the European qualifiers in July.
Australia-born all-rounder Harry Manenti, whose five-wicket haul proved decisive against Scotland, said the team’s diverse background masks a shared bond with Italy. “We come from all over the world, but each of us has a deep connection to Italy,” Manenti said, adding that the pride of representing the country would be evident on the global stage.
Manenti and his brother Ben have represented Italy for more than two years, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, who hailed from Brescia in northern Italy. They are sons of former Australia women’s rugby coach John Manenti.
Italy’s preparations have not been without disruption. Former Australia international Joe Burns captained the side during qualifying but was dropped amid contractual disputes with the Italian Cricket Federation. Wayne Madsen, who previously represented South Africa at the 2006 Hockey World Cup, has since taken over the captaincy.
