The Italy men's cricket team, nicknamed Gli Azzurri, represents a country better known for football but with a cricket history that goes back decades. The side is run by the Italian Cricket Federation and competes in the Europe region of the International Cricket Council. In July 2025 Italy reached the biggest stage in their history, qualifying for the 2026 men's T20 World Cup.
Governing body and status
Italy are an Associate member of the ICC. As an Associate, Italy play Twenty20 internationals rather than Tests or one-day internationals, and they reach global events through regional qualification in Europe.
Early international cricket
For most of the years in between, the side competed in European competitions and in the qualifying pathways for ICC events without reaching a World Cup.
The 2026 T20 World Cup qualification
The breakthrough came at the Europe Qualifier in the Netherlands in July 2025. Italy beat Scotland by 12 runs on 10 July, a result that put them close to qualification. On 11 July they lost their final group match to the Netherlands by nine wickets, after being bowled out for 134 for 7 in their 20 overs; Ben Manenti top-scored with 30 and Grant Stewart made 25.
Italy still went through. Jersey beat Scotland by one wicket off the last ball, which left Italy and Jersey level on five points, and Italy progressed on net run rate. The Netherlands also qualified. It was the first time Italy had qualified for an ICC World Cup in any cricket format, and it eliminated Scotland from a men’s T20 World Cup for the first time in four editions.
The tournament
The 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, the first with 20 teams to include Italy, was hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Italy’s participation marked a first for cricket in the country at ICC world-event level and gave a visible boost to a domestic game that depends heavily on a small number of clubs.
What defines the side
Italy’s squads draw on players who grew up in Italy, on players with Italian family ties and on players who learned the game in other cricket countries, a typical pattern among European Associates. That mix, together with a short calendar of high-level fixtures, is why the team’s progress is measured in qualifiers and regional finals rather than in bilateral series.
Frequently asked questions
Who governs cricket in Italy?
The Italian Cricket Federation, which is an Associate member of the ICC in the Europe region.
When did Italy first qualify for a T20 World Cup?
On 11 July 2025, when they finished second at the Europe Qualifier on net run rate ahead of Jersey, earning a place at the 2026 men's T20 World Cup.
Does Italy play Test cricket?
No. Italy are an Associate member and play Twenty20 internationals.