EXCLUSIVE: Inspired by 2006 FIFA World Cup glory, Italy's cricket 'underdogs' take aim at T20 World Cup

Italy booked their maiden berth in a T20 World Cup, coming via the European Qualifiers. (Image: Instagram)

Cricket may never reach football’s level in Italy, but to do something even close would mean a lot. Thomas Darcy

NEW DELHI: Forza Italia! Forza Italia! The chants still reverberate in the ears of Thomas Draca after Italy secured a historic qualification for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Italy booked their place in the mega event, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka, by defeating hosts Netherlands in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Region Final.With the Italian flag draped over his shoulders and tears in his eyes, pacer Draca took a heartfelt victory lap around the Sportpark Westvliet in Voorburg, Netherlands. It was a deeply emotional moment — not just for Draca, but for all of Italy.Long celebrated as a football-mad nation that has produced legends like Alessandro Del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio and Francesco Totti, Italy is now scripting a new chapter — one that puts cricket on the national sporting map.For Draca, it's just the beginning — marking the start of a fresh era for cricket in Italy."Honestly, I can't believe it. It's just all surreal at the moment. It's been a work in progress. And I think, you know, you look at our squad now — when we get our main squad in — we're excited and thrilled to be a part of it. But we're also thrilled to be able to compete at the international level. And that's what we all believe. That's the whole goal," Draca told TimesofIndia.com."We know we'll be the underdogs, but it's more than just going to the World Cup. It's the start of something new. We've wanted to create a foundation for cricket - to inspire young kids to pick up a bat instead of just playing football at school. So for us, it's more than just qualifying for a World Cup. It's the start of something special," he said.Draca was just six years old when Italy lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2006 — their fourth title — after a 5–3 victory over France in a dramatic penalty shootout. The memories of that iconic win remain fresh for the right-arm pacer, who once dreamed of becoming a footballer.Playing in a World Cup had always been his childhood dream, but destiny had other plans. Now, he’s set to represent Italy on the global stage — not in football, but in cricket."When we call Italy, the football stars come to mind. But this is the first time cricket is stepping up. There have been players who’ve been involved since the early 2000s. You look at Gareth Berg — he’s devoted much of his career to cricket in Italy. So, it’s not just the last year or two. Joe Burns made his debut in 2015. I actually met one of the early captains of Italy’s qualifying days. He came to the ground and told me, 'You’re one of my heroes. ' I was like, 'What do you mean?' And he said, 'I flew across to witness this special event.' He played back in 2016 when Italy was fighting to qualify for division cricket," he said."Joe Burns keeps joking that I am the new Totti. And we’ve seen comments about how Italy couldn’t qualify for the Football World Cup, but here we are qualifying in cricket! For me, the 2006 Italy football team that won the World Cup was inspirational. I remember when they knocked Australia out, and I was always a football fan. I only started taking cricket seriously at 16. I played football growing up, so the Serie A legends have always been heroes. Cricket may never reach football’s level in Italy, but to do something even close would mean a lot."As the team continues to celebrate their qualification for the T20 World Cup, Draca remains confident that this squad has something special — a unique spark — and believes they are capable of creating their own piece of history."We’re representing a nation that’s still new to cricket, but we want to inspire the next generation. 10-20 years ago, that idea wouldn’t have existed. But now, it’s becoming a reality."The Federation has always supported us — people like Peter and Michael Di Venuto played in the early 2000s. Gareth Berg’s been here since 2012–13. And now, we’ve got players in the peak of their careers, like Burns, the Manenti brothers (Ben Manenti and Harry Manenti), and Grant Stewart," the 24-year-old said.

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