Italy Cricket Team News & Matches
Captain: Wayne Madsen
Coaches: John Davison (head coach)Kevin O'Brien (assistant coach)Dougie Brown (assistant coach)
First international match: 1989
Cricket board: Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCI)
Coaches: John Davison (head coach)Kevin O'Brien (assistant coach)Dougie Brown (assistant coach)
First international match: 1989
Cricket board: Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCI)
Italy Men's Cricket Team History
Cricket's roots in Italy date back to the late 18th century. Games were reportedly played by Admiral Nelson's troops in Naples. Several of the country's biggest football clubsincluding AC Milan and Genoa CFCwere founded as combined cricket and football institutions. While football eventually eclipsed cricket in popularitythe sport continued to be played in Rome as late as the 1960s.
Italy officially became an Affiliate member of the ICC in 1984 and were elevated to Associate status in 1995. The game was largely sustained by expat communities and players qualifying through heritage links to the country.
Italy spent much of their early international journey competing in European regional tournaments and ICC pathway events. Their rise gathered momentum in 2023as the FCI began to recruit players with professional and franchise experience from Australia and England - Joe BurnsWayne Madsenand brothers Ben and Harry Manentiamong others - with an eye on the future.
During the T20 World Cup Europe qualification pathway Italy produced several notable resultsincluding victories over established Associate teams such as Scotland and Guernseyand later a four-wicket win against Ireland in 2026eventually sealing a spot at the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup.
The qualification campaign was initially led by former Australia international Burnswho played a major role in getting Italy their maiden global tournament berth. HoweverBurns was later replaced as captain and left out of the World Cup squad prior to the tournamentwith Derbyshire's Wayne Madsen taking over leadership duties.
Italy Men's Cricket Team Current Ranking
T20Is: 27Italy Men's Cricket Team Trophies and Milestones
1984: Elected to ICC as Affiliate Member
1989: First recognised international match (vs Denmark)
1995: Elevated to ICC Associate Member
2019: Granted full T20I status
2025: Qualify for first ICC Men's T20 World Cup
Team Fan Ratings
Top Run Scorers
In last one year155
Innings: 7Average: 25.83
145
Innings: 6Average: 36.25
115
Innings: 6Average: 28.75
Top Wicket Takers
In last one year8
Innings: 7Average: 18.50
8
Innings: 7Average: 25.12
6
Innings: 7Average: 31.00