Italy arrive at their maiden World Cup with confidence and challenges

Italy's historic qualification for their first ever ICC pinnacle event is the culmination of a project begun some five years ago, spearheaded by county veteran Gareth Berg. The aim was to combine the strength of the country's local scene with talent from the Italian diaspora. Berg stepped aside after Italy came up short in the last qualification cycle, finishing runners-up behind Ireland and Scotland in the 2023 European regional final. New captain Joe Burns, who led the team unbeaten through the Sub-Regional Qualifier and to the Regional Finals, also parted ways with the side ahead of the tournament.

The foundations laid under Berg and Burns appear solid, with the experienced Wayne Madsen taking over the captaincy. He led Italy to their first win over a full member, beating Ireland in a preparatory series in the UAE. Warm-up wins over Namibia and Canada further underline the team's transformation into genuine short-form contenders.

The squad

Wayne Madsen (c), Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Ben Manenti, Harry Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade (wk), Grant Stewart, Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Syed Naqvi, Jaspreet Singh.

Italy's selection shows more continuity than change. The core of the group has been together for two cycles, with a batting card built around the brothers Mosca and Manenti, supplemented by Madsen, Marcus Campopiano, and wicketkeeper Gian Piero Meade. The squad has enviable batting depth despite the departure of Burns and an injury to Emilio Gay.

Grant Stewart leads a largely locally-produced seam attack. The sole new name is all-rounder JJ Smuts, a former South Africa U19 left-armer, who fills a gap in the slow-bowling department. While Ben Manenti provides off-spin and Crishan Kalugamage offers leg-spin, the squad still looks light on slow bowling.

The road to the World Cup

Italy had the longest road to the World Cup, starting from the base of the qualifying ladder. They sailed through their home Sub-Regional Qualifier unbeaten in the summer of 2024. At the regional finals the following summer, they comfortably beat Guernsey and secured a famous victory over Scotland, pipping Jersey on net run rate. An extended warm-up camp in Dubai was capped with a historic win over Ireland.

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Italy's coaching staff features John Davison, Kevin O'Brien, Dougie Brown, and Michael di Venuto. Batting is unquestionably their chief strength, with a top six replete with List A and First Class experience. Grant Stewart has also proved a belligerent hitter down the order. Questions persist around the bowling; Italy have not defended a sub-150 score since 2021. The addition of JJ Smuts addresses some concerns, as he has been a stand-out with the ball.

Who can bend a match in 10 balls

While the top order is expected to supply bulk runs, Grant Stewart has provided fireworks down the order, regularly clearing the ropes. He will also have a crucial role with the ball, but his ability to shift momentum with the bat may become a habit.

Italy will play three of their four group games at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They may be at a slight disadvantage in their first two fixtures against Scotland and Nepal, as those opponents will have had prior matches to acclimatize. Those early games will be key targets for Italy, hoping to set up a decisive final match against the West Indies.

Italy may feel they have the measure of Scotland, though overconfidence is a risk. The match against Nepal presents a real danger, as the Ghorkhali are unfamiliar to most of the Italian squad and are in ominous form.

What a good World Cup looks like

Merely making their World Cup debut is already an unquestionable success. However, with considerable big-stage experience on staff, Italy will not be content as also-rans. A win over more established Associates should be within their grasp. A run to the Super 8s is probably too big an ask on a first attempt, though not entirely out of the question if neutral results fall their way.