Italy carry hope and curiosity to their cricket World Cup debut

Italy are newcomers to the T20 World Cup, a nation where cricket is still nascent and only beginning to spread its roots. Historically, football has ruled the sporting imagination of the country. Now, set to play their first match in Kolkata, more than 7200 kilometres from Rome, Italy's cricket captain Wayne Madsen is hoping to begin something new.

The presence of Italy at a cricketing mega event is starting to register back home. "I know there have been some articles in local papers," skipper Madsen said. "So it's starting to get out the message that we're here at the World Cup and it's going to be our first. It's obviously going to be a big moment for cricket in Italy and for growing the game."

Madsen believes the opportunity extends beyond results. "We want as much support as possible from people in Italy but also from around the world. We're going into this tournament to take the opportunity… we want to leave a legacy that cricket develops in the country."

Italian cricket remains in its early stages. Infrastructure is limited, but Madsen feels World Cup exposure can act as a catalyst. "I believe that this will enhance the game and the growth of the game within the country. In terms of the number of clubs, I know we've got over 100 clubs in the country. Yes, we don't have a turf pitch yet and that's obviously one of the focuses of the federation."

Italy's squad reflects diverse pathways, with players of Australian, South African and South Asian descent alongside those who have grown up locally. Head coach John Davison believes that blend is slowly knitting itself into a shared identity. "The guys who have grown up in Italy speak Italian as their first language," said Davison. "And then you've got guys who are based elsewhere… particularly for the players who want to play long term and really build the Italian culture, they're making an effort."

On the field, that cohesion will be tested quickly. Italy open their campaign against Scotland on Tuesday, a familiar opponent, before stepping into less-charted territory against the rest of their group. Davison acknowledged both the comfort and the challenge. "We know the Scottish guys pretty well from having played them quite a bit, but the other teams we haven't played yet, Nepal and neither England or West Indies, so those are new games for us."

As debutants, Italy remain something of an unknown quantity. While there is experience in the ranks, the captain believes there is more beneath the surface. "Guys have played in franchise tournaments around the world. But equally, we've got young players who people wouldn't have seen. So a little bit of X-factor in that regard. We've got what we believe is a pretty good batting unit with quite a lot of experience. And we've got three really good spinners. Our seam attack as well, we've got some experience behind that."

Preparation for the World Cup has been thorough. Italy spent a couple of weeks training in Chennai after a camp in Dubai, and capped off their build-up with a win over Ireland in a T20I. The experience was further enriched by a meeting with Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid. As the tournament got underway, Madsen admitted the magnitude of the moment was beginning to sink in. "That realness is starting to sink in. There'll be a few nerves around, which is going to be normal. The opportunity for us as players to create something special is what our focus is on."

Fittingly, as Italy's cricketers prepare to step onto the global stage, the country's football team is also gearing up for its own World Cup journey. Madsen hopes the two paths can intersect in spirit. "Hopefully we can inspire the football team onto a World Cup as well. That would be quite nice if we can perform to a level that inspires them to get to the World Cup," he said.