Italy name squad for maiden Men's T20 World Cup campaign

Wayne Madsen captains the 15-member group for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

17 January, 2026

Italy have named the 15-member squad for their maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup appearance.

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The Azzurri will make their T20 World Cup debut against Bangladesh on February 9 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with their next appearance slated to come against Nepal on February 12 in Mumbai.

As previously announced, Wayne Madsen will lead the European outfit for the tournament.

Italy's squad:

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

ALL SQUADS NAMED FOR T20 WORLD CUP 2026

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The big addition is all-rounder JJ Smuts, who has previously featured for South Africa at the international level, and has played 13 T20Is till date. Emilio Gay misses the tournament through injury.

Italy made it to the tournament on the back of a historic run in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 2025, where they claimed the second position following wins against Scotland and Guernsey, and qualified alongside the Netherlands.

Italy v Scotland | Match Highlights | Europe Regional Final | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Italy brushed aside Scotland by 12 runs in a monumental to move one step closer to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The Italian coaching staff will be led by John Davison as head coach, supported by assistant coaches Kevin O'Brien and Douglas Brown, with Peter Di Venuto serving as manager.

The tournament debutants are slotted alongside two-time winners, England and West Indies as well as Bangladesh and Nepal in Group C.