🧩 Dominant Europe Regional Final (July 5–11, 2025)
- Italy entered the final tournament in the Netherlands alongside the Netherlands, Scotland, Jersey, and Guernsey .
- On July 9, they stunned Scotland with a 12‑run win, boosted by Emilio Gay’s explosive fifty and Harry Manenti’s five-wicket haul.
⚔️ Final Match: Netherlands vs Italy
- Italy set a modest total of 134/7.
- The Netherlands began their chase strongly, but Italy’s bowling and fielding efforts delayed the run rate just enough to guarantee qualification by the 17th over—despite losing the match.
- Their superior net run rate edged out Jersey, granting that coveted second spot behind the Netherlands.
đź§ Key Figures Behind the Rise
- Joe Burns: The former Australia Test opener switched to Italy in 2024, honoring his late brother. He has been a crucial leader and runs contributor in this campaign.
- Emilio Gay & Harry Manenti: Gay’s quick-fire fifty in the Scotland game and Manenti’s five wickets turned the tide in Italy’s favor.
- Grant Stewart & Benjamin Manenti: Essential late-order runs to help set defendable targets. Italy Makes History
🌍 What the Qualification Means
- First-time T20 World Cup berth for a country famed more for football than cricket—now one of 15 confirmed teams for the 2026 event.
- A strong statement for Italy’s cricket growth, propelled by strategic inclusion of players of Italian heritage based overseas .
- This journey proves that emerging cricket nations can break into the big leagues through smart recruitment, fierce determination, and standout individual performances.
🏆 Looking Ahead
- Italy will face world-class competition across India and Sri Lanka in 2026. Their squad will blend experienced sky-high pedigree with fast-rising European talent.
- The campaign offers a platform to bring greater visibility to cricket in Italy and inspire a new generation of players.
- It’s also a reminder of how T20 cricket is reshaping the sport’s global map.
✍️ Blog-Style Takeaway
Title: From Pizza to Pitch: Italy’s Unbelievable Cricket Breakthrough
In a stunning twist on July 11, 2025, Italy—most famous for calcio and cuisine—made history on the cricket field, punching their ticket to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. With a mix of international flair—led by Aussie-Italian Joe Burns—and clutch performances on the field, they clinched second place in the Europe qualifiers thanks to net run rate drama. This marks a pivotal moment not just for Italian sports, but for cricket’s narrative outside traditional strongholds. The journey from underdog to World Cup competitor is complete. And it’s just the beginning.