There was something oddly poetic about the way Italy, known more for calcio than cricket, sidled into cricket’s grandest party, not with fireworks but with tenacity, calculation, and a touch of unexpected romance.

From the gravelled suburban clubs of Rome and Bologna to the immaculate turf of The Hague, Italy’s cricketing journey has long simmered beneath the continental radar. Though they've been an Associate Member of the ICC since 1984, their cricketing narrative has often unfolded quietly, in the shadows of larger European sports cultures. However, in July 2025, it surged into technicolour, ending with blue shirts raised in the soft Dutch light, qualified — yes, qualified — for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup!

A sub-regional storm

Their odyssey began in June 2024, Italy hosted the Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier A, where they dismantled one opponent after the other. Beating Luxembourg, France, Isle of Man, Turkey and Romania in the Finals to cap off their unbeaten run in the tourney. It was a flex, not just of power, but of intent. This wasn’t a team hoping for luck; this was a team scripting history.

Joe Burns, the man with baggy green memories and Azzurri dreams, had swapped hemispheres and heartbeats. In honour of his late brother, he became Italy’s captain and hope. 

The Hague: of rain, run-rates, and resolve

The final regional round in The Hague was no stroll along the canals even though Guernsey fell with minimal fuss. The weather turned moody as the match against Jersey was rained off. However, it was the match against Scotland, a side packed with pedigree, that cemented Italy’s intent. A 12-run win, cagey and clever, propelled them forward. Suddenly, there were murmurs.

Netherlands awaited. Italy knew qualification rested on net run rate. They lost, but lost well, by dragging the game past the 15-over threshold to keep their mathematical dream alive. As the spreadsheets clicked and calculators confirmed, Italy had done it!

Burns, brotherhood and belief

In every qualification tale, there’s a soul. Burns was Italy’s. His calm at the crease, his fire in the huddle, his grief worn as pride moved teammates and spectators alike. The Manenti brothers bowled with flair, Grant Stewart struck with assurance, Justin Mosca chipped in with crucial runs.

Italy wasn’t a one-man show. It was a collective leaning in the same improbable direction.

Cricket’s new romantics

For a nation where cricket exists in borrowed corners, community parks, immigrant whispers, expat echoes, this qualification is not just an arrival, but an invitation. To dream. To build. To belong.

Italy will walk into the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka not just as debutants, but as reminders: that cricket, in all its layered global beauty, still has room for surprises. And stories.

Especially this one written in azure ink, on borrowed time, with a captain chasing memory and a team chasing meaning.

Italy, welcome to the World Cup!