Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 18th January 2026, 12:48 PM
Italy’s cricket board has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with seasoned batsman Wyn Madsen appointed as captain. The squad has already drawn significant attention, particularly for the inclusion of two sets of brothers, adding both experience and intrigue to Italy’s campaign.
The **Manenti brothers—Harry and Benjamin—**have been included for their batting prowess and fielding agility, while the **Mosca brothers—Anthony and Justin—**bring a combination of all-round skills to the squad. The presence of two pairs of siblings in the same team is a rarity in international cricket, raising anticipation among fans and analysts alike.
Adding further strength is former South African international J.J. Smuts, who is expected to provide invaluable experience and stability to Italy’s batting lineup. The leadership change comes after a European qualifying campaign led by Australian-born Joe Burns, who was subsequently relieved of his captaincy late last year and not included in the World Cup squad.
Italy secured its World Cup spot by finishing second in the European regional qualifiers in July 2025, behind the Netherlands. The squad is coached by John Davison, with Kevin O’Brien and Dougie Brown serving as assistant coaches, ensuring a mix of tactical guidance and player development expertise.
Italy has been drawn in Group C, where they will face Bangladesh, England, Nepal, and the West Indies. Their campaign is scheduled to begin on 9 February against Bangladesh, although potential venue changes for Bangladesh may lead to a reshuffle of the group schedule, prompting Italy to remain flexible with their preparations.
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Wyn Madsen (Captain) | Batsman |
| Marcus Campopiano | Batsman |
| Gian Piero Mide | Batsman |
| Zain Ali | All-rounder |
| Ali Hasan | Bowler |
| Cristian George | All-rounder |
| Harry Manenti | Batsman |
| Benjamin Manenti | Batsman |
| Anthony Mosca | All-rounder |
| Justin Mosca | All-rounder |
| Syed Nakvi | Bowler |
| Jaspreet Singh | Batsman |
| J.J. Smuts | Experienced Batsman |
| Grant Stewart | Bowler |
| Thomas Draka | All-rounder |
With this squad, Italy aims to make a strong impression on the world stage. The combination of seasoned internationals, emerging talents, and two pairs of brothers offers a unique dynamic that could prove decisive in the group stages. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be closely following Italy’s journey, particularly the performance of the Manenti and Mosca brothers.
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