🇮🇹 Italy Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List & Key Players
Italy have officially named their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking a historic milestone as the Azzurri prepare for their first-ever appearance at a Men’s T20 World Cup. The tournament will be held across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with Italy stepping onto the global stage against some of the biggest names in world cricket.
After an impressive campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 2025, Italy sealed qualification alongside the Netherlands, earning their place among the world’s top 20 T20 teams. The announcement of the final squad confirms Italy’s intent to compete fearlessly in their debut campaign.
🇮🇹 Italy Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayne Madsen (c) | Top-order Batter |
| 2 | Marcus Campopiano | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 3 | Gian Piero Meade | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 4 | Anthony Mosca | Batter |
| 5 | Justin Mosca | Batter |
| 6 | Zain Ali | Batter |
| 7 | Ali Hasan | All-rounder |
| 8 | JJ Smuts | All-rounder |
| 9 | Grant Stewart | All-rounder |
| 10 | Benjamin Manenti | All-rounder |
| 11 | Harry Manenti | All-rounder |
| 12 | Syed Naqvi | Bowling All-rounder |
| 13 | Jaspreet Singh | Fast Bowler |
| 14 | Thomas Draca | Fast Bowler |
| 15 | Crishan Jorge | Bowler |
Note: Emilio Gay has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
Coaching & Management Staff
Italy’s World Cup campaign will be overseen by an experienced backroom team:
- Head Coach: John Davison
- Assistant Coaches: Kevin O’Brien, Douglas Brown
- Team Manager: Peter Di Venuto
The presence of former international cricketers in the coaching setup reflects Italy’s growing professionalism and long-term vision.
Italy’s Group in T20 World Cup 2026
| Team | Qualification Path |
|---|---|
| England | Top 7 finish – T20 WC 2024 |
| West Indies | Top 7 finish – T20 WC 2024 |
| Bangladesh | Top 7 finish – T20 WC 2024 |
| Nepal | Asia/EAP Qualifier |
| Italy | Europe Qualifier |
Italy Group Stage Matches – T20 World Cup 2026
| Match No. | Fixture | Venue | Date | Local Time | GMT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Bangladesh vs Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Mon, Feb 9 | 11:00 AM | 05:30 GMT |
| 17 | Nepal vs Italy | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | Thu, Feb 12 | 3:00 PM | 09:30 GMT |
| 29 | England vs Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Mon, Feb 16 | 3:00 PM | 09:30 GMT |
| 37 | West Indies vs Italy | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Thu, Feb 19 | 11:00 AM | 05:30 GMT |
Predicted Playing XI – Italy (T20 World Cup 2026)
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayne Madsen (c) | Opening Batter |
| 2 | Anthony Mosca | Top-order Batter |
| 3 | JJ Smuts | Middle-order Batter / All-rounder |
| 4 | Grant Stewart | All-rounder |
| 5 | Benjamin Manenti | All-rounder |
| 6 | Harry Manenti | All-rounder |
| 7 | Gian Piero Meade (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 8 | Syed Naqvi | Bowling All-rounder |
| 9 | Jaspreet Singh | Right-arm Fast |
| 10 | Thomas Draca | Right-arm Fast |
| 11 | Crishan Jorge | Bowler |
Bench Options: Marcus Campopiano, Justin Mosca, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan
Key Talking Points from Italy’s Squad
Wayne Madsen to lead historic campaign
Veteran batter Wayne Madsen has been entrusted with the captaincy, rewarding his long-standing contribution to Italian cricket. His leadership and experience will be central as Italy navigate unfamiliar territory against full-member nations.
JJ Smuts adds international pedigree
The inclusion of former South Africa international JJ Smuts is a major boost. With 13 T20Is for South Africa and extensive franchise experience, Smuts brings calmness, power-hitting, and tactical awareness — qualities vital for a debutant side.
Emilio Gay ruled out
Italy will miss Emilio Gay, who has been sidelined due to injury, slightly thinning the top-order options ahead of a demanding group-stage schedule.
Italy’s Road Ahead
Italy enter the tournament as underdogs, but their rise through European cricket has already challenged established hierarchies. Competitive performances against full-member nations would not only validate their qualification but also strengthen the case for Europe’s expanding influence in global cricket.
While progression to the knockout stages will be difficult, Italy’s maiden campaign is about credibility, confidence, and creating moments on the world stage.
Final Word
Italy’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reflects a team ready to embrace the spotlight. With experienced leadership, international exposure through JJ Smuts, and a group hardened by qualification battles, the Azzurri are prepared to test themselves against the best. Win or lose, Italy’s debut promises to be a defining chapter in the nation’s cricketing journey.