Italy announce squad for maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Italy have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking the country’s maiden appearance at a senior men’s World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Wayne Madsen has been named captain of the side, which features experienced campaigners and a mix of familiar faces. 

Former South Africa international JJ Smuts is included in the squad, along with two sets of brothers — Harry and Benjamin Manenti and Anthony and Justin Mosca.

Italy were previously led by former Australia international Joe Burns during their qualification campaign, but he was removed from the captaincy and dropped from the squad late last year. 

Italy secured qualification by finishing second behind the Netherlands at the Europe Regional Qualifier in July 2025.

The coaching staff includes head coach John Davison, with Kevin O’Brien and Dougie Brown serving as assistant coaches.

Italy have been placed in Group C alongside Bangladesh, England, Nepal and West Indies. 

They will begin their campaign against Bangladesh in Kolkata on February 9, before facing Nepal in Mumbai on February 12. Italy then return to Kolkata to take on England on February 16 and West Indies on February 19.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will run from February 7 to March 8 and will feature 20 teams divided into four groups of five in the first round. 

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, followed by the semi-finals and final.

Italy squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:

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