The Italy National Cricket Team scripted history by qualifying for their first-ever ICC T20 World Cup. Joe Burns and his team made it to the global event for the very first time as they finished second in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Region Final. Italy had a stellar campaign, scoring five points in four matches, which included two wins and one loss and they joined the Netherlands as the two teams from the Europe qualifiers to qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in India and Sri Lanka, with India starting as the defending champions. As Italy scripted cricket history, let us take a look at the squad which made the dream possible. Italy Qualify for ICC T20 World Cup For The First Time; Joe Burns-Led Side to Feature in 2026 T20 WC After Finishing Second in Europe Qualifiers.

Italy had earlier grabbed the limelight after they beat Scotland by 12 runs in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Region Final 2025. It was their first win over an ODI-playing nation and it had come after a victory over Guernsey. Although Italy lost to the Netherlands in their last match in the qualifiers, they would be mighty proud of their effort. Led by Joe Burns, a former Australian cricketer, the Italy National Cricket Team will now hope to impress big time at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where the competition is only going to get more and more intense.

Italy's Squad for ICC T20 World Cup Europe Qualifiers

Italy National Cricket Team Squad Members

Justin Mosca: A left-handed opener who has an impressive strike rate in T20 cricket. In 16 T20Is, Justin Mosca has scored 361 runs at a strike rate of 151.04.

Emilio Gay: Born in Bedford, England, Emilio Gay played for Northamptonshire and also England A before switching to Italy. A left-hander, Emilio Gay has substantial experience in First-Class cricket with more than 3000 runs. In T20Is, he has had two appearances but his strike-rate is astounding, at 231.99.

Joe Burns (Captain): Joe Burns is the captain of the Italy National Cricket Team and he is certain to be remembered in the nation's cricket history with them qualifying for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2026. Joe Burns is a former Australian cricketer, having represented the Aussies in 23 Tests where he scored 1442 runs. In 2024, Joe Burns decided to switch from Australia to Italy as a medium to get closer to his roots and also as a tribute to his late brother Dominic.

Harry Manenti (Vice-Captain): Harry Manenti is the vice-captain, has been a crucial member of the Italy National Cricket Team as they made it to the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. Not just as a right-handed batter, but Harry Manenti is also pretty handy with the ball, scalping a five-wicket haul in Italy's historic win over Scotland in the Europe qualifiers. Netherlands Qualify For ICC T20 World Cup 2026; Scott Edwards and Co Top Europe Qualifiers With Comprehensive 9-Wicket Victory Against Italy.

Marcus Campopiano: Marcus Campopiano is the wicketkeeper-batter of the Italy National Cricket Team. He too has English roots, being born in Middlesex in 1995 and he also played for Sussex 2nd XI. In T20Is, Marcus Campopiano has scored 461 runs in 21 matches at a strike rate of 123.59.

Ben Manenti: An off-break bowler, Ben Manenti is part of the historic Italy National Cricket Team that qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Ben Manenti was born in Australia's New South Wales and also has BBL (Big Bash League) stints with Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers. In T20I cricket, Ben Manenti has picked up three wickets in seven matches, with his best figures being 2/21.

Grant Stewart: Grant Stewart is a bowling all-rounder and was born in Western Australia. He played for Kent in England's County cricket. In T20I cricket, Grant Stewart has 11 wickets in 16 appearances, with his best performance being 3/29.

Anthony Mosca: A right-hander, Anthony Mosca is also part of the historic Italy National Cricket Team, which qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year. In 14 T20Is, Anthony Mosca has scored 351 runs with his strike rate being 118.58.

Jaspreet Singh: Born in Paghwara, Punjab, Jaspreet Singh is a right-arm fast medium pacer. The Indian-origin cricketer has picked up 21 wickets in 23 matches, with his best figures being 4/9.

Crishan Jorge Priyantha Fernando Kalugamage: An off-break bowler, Crishan Kalugamage has been decent in his short T20I career so far. He has picked up 15 wickets in 14 appearances for the Italy National Cricket Team, with his best performance being a four-wicket haul (4/17)

Thomas Draca: A right-arm medium pacer, Thomas Draca has played for Brampton Wolves in Global T20 Canada and also MI Emirates in UAE's ILT20. In six T20Is, Thomas Draca has scalped eight wickets and his best figures in the shortest format are 3/9.

Other Squad Members and Support Staff

Zain Naqvi, Gian-Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Bilal Khan

Head Coach: John Davidson, Assistant Coach: Kevin O'Brien, Assistant Coach: Dougie Brown, Assistant Coach: Peter Divenuto, Manager: Stefano Pieri, Strength and Conditioning: Marco Mastrorocco, Physio: Thihan Chandramohan

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2025 10:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).