🇮🇹 Italy Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List & Key Players
Italy enter the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with renewed ambition and confidence as they prepare to compete in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. After a strong run in the Europe Qualifier, the Azzurri have earned their place among the world’s top 20 teams — a major milestone for Italian cricket.
With a blend of European domestic talent and experienced campaigners from global T20 leagues, Italy will feature in Group C, alongside England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The squad is expected to be driven by powerful all-rounders, a disciplined pace attack, and technically equipped batters capable of handling subcontinent conditions.
🇮🇹 Italy Likely Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Mosca | Batter |
| 2 | Emilio Gay | Batter |
| 3 | Joe Burns | Batter |
| 4 | Justin Mosca | Batter |
| 5 | Zain Naqvi | Batter |
| 6 | Benjamin Manenti | All-Rounder |
| 7 | Grant Stewart | All-Rounder |
| 8 | Harry Manenti | All-Rounder |
| 9 | Gian-Piero Meade | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 10 | Marcus Campopiano | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 11 | Bilal Khan | Bowler |
| 12 | Crishan Kalugamage | Bowler |
| 13 | Damith Kosala | Bowler |
| 14 | Jaspreet Singh | Bowler |
| 15 | Thomas Draca | Bowler |
| 16 | Zain Ali | Bowler |
Final 15 to be confirmed by the Italian Cricket Federation (Federazione Cricket Italiana) before the tournament.
Leadership & Team Management
- Captain (Likely): Grant Stewart
- Vice-Captain: Benjamin Manenti
- Head Coach (Expected): Gareth Berg
Grant Stewart brings leadership maturity, power hitting, and reliable seam bowling. Alongside the Manenti brothers, Italy’s squad appears well-balanced with multi-skill players ideal for T20 cricket.
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 | Emilio Gay | Opening Batter |
| 2 | Joe Burns | Top-order Batter |
| 3 | Anthony Mosca | Middle-order Batter |
| 4 | Grant Stewart (C) | All-Rounder / Captain |
| 5 | Benjamin Manenti | All-Rounder |
| 6 | Gian-Piero Meade (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 7 | Harry Manenti | All-Rounder |
| 8 | Jaspreet Singh | Right-arm Fast Bowler |
| 9 | Bilal Khan | Left-arm Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Damith Kosala | Right-arm Medium Bowler |
| 11 | Crishan Kalugamage | Spinner |
Bench Strength: Justin Mosca, Marcus Campopiano, Thomas Draca, Zain Ali
Team Strengths & Key Analysis
1. Strong All-Round Department
Grant Stewart, Benjamin Manenti, and Harry Manenti provide Italy with invaluable balance — allowing depth in both batting and bowling.
2. Experienced Top Order
Joe Burns and Emilio Gay bring first-class and league experience, providing stability against major opponents.
3. Versatile Bowling Attack
A left-right pace combination in Bilal Khan and Jaspreet Singh adds variety, while Kalugamage and Kosala offer multiple spin options crucial for Indian pitches.
4. Improved Fielding Standards
Italy’s exposure to European and franchise cricket has significantly boosted their athleticism and match awareness.
Italy’s Road Ahead
Italy see the 2026 World Cup as an opportunity to showcase the rise of European cricket. While facing giants like England and West Indies, competitive performances could position Italy as a potential dark horse in Group C. Their disciplined structure, emerging talent, and high-energy approach make them a team capable of springing surprises.
Final Word
Italy’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad blends experience, youth, and fearless intent — qualities that could make them one of the dark horses in the tournament. With skilled all-rounders, steady batting, and a capable bowling unit, the Italians are set to compete hard on the big stage. Whether or not they advance deep, Italy’s journey will surely leave a mark on world cricket.