JJ Smuts included as Italy unveil squad for maiden T20 World Cup

Former South Africa international JJ Smuts has been included in Italy's 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be the country's first appearance at a World Cup.

Wayne Madsen, as announced earlier, will lead the side at the tournament. They were led by Joe Burns during the Qualifiers, but the former Australia international was fired as captain and left out of the squad late last year.

The World Cup squad also features two sets of brothers, Harry and Benjamin Manenti, and Anthony and Justin Mosca.

Emilio Gay will miss the tournament due to injury.

The coaching staff is headed by John Davison, with Kevin O'Brien and Dougie Brown named as assistant coaches.

Italy have been placed in Group C alongside Bangladesh, England, Nepal and West Indies. They will open their campaign against Bangladesh in Kolkata on February 9, play Nepal in Mumbai on February 12, and return to Kolkata to face England on February 16 and West Indies on February 19.