CHENNAI: Italy is a nation that lives and breathes sport, with a rich tapestry that includes cycling, volleyball, water polo, motor racing, Formula 1, and tennis. Yet, it is Calcio, or football, that truly ignites the passion of the tifosi, the fervent fans. For the four-time world champions, however, the past decade has been a period of disappointment, with even qualification for this summer's World Cup hanging precariously in the balance.
A Shift in Focus: Cricket Steps into the Limelight
While the Azzurri find themselves languishing in the shadows, another Italian team is quietly stepping into the spotlight. The Italy cricket team, making its debut at the T20 World Cup, is capturing attention with its unique blend of heritage and talent. Kevin O'Brien, the assistant coach of the Italian squad and famed for his spectacular innings for Ireland against England in the 2011 ODI World Cup, offered a hopeful perspective. Speaking to TOI after a practice match against Canada in Chennai on Monday, O'Brien quipped, "Hopefully, they might look at the success we've had in the last couple of months and take some inspiration from that," referring to the struggling football team.
Roots in History: Cricket's Italian Legacy
Cricket in Italy is far from a new phenomenon, despite the team's newcomer status on the global stage. The sport has deep historical ties, with AC Milan, the legendary football club, originally founded as the Milan Football and Cricket Club. Even famed striker Christian Vieri was known as a skilled left-handed batsman during his formative years in Sydney, modeling his style on idol Allan Border. This connection highlights the longstanding presence of cricket within Italian culture, particularly among immigrant communities.
A Wholesome Return: Brothers Reconnect with Heritage
For some members of the current Italian cricket squad, this World Cup debut represents a meaningful return to their roots. Players like the Manenti brothers, Benjamin and Harry, and the Mosca brothers, Anthony and Justin, all born in Australia, have brought their Sydney-bred cricketing skills to the international arena. They grew up hearing stories of Italian cricket from the 1980s, and when the opportunity arose, they eagerly embraced it. Benjamin Manenti recalled, "I've always heard of Italian cricket because of my heritage, but I didn't know at what scale it was." He added that in recent years, cricket has started to gain momentum in Italy, making their participation a proud moment.
Anthony Mosca shared insights into their close-knit dynamic, saying, "The four of us have grown up playing at the same Sydney cricket club and we know each other for almost 20 years now. We are as close mates as brothers, and our families will be cheering us on together from home." This familial bond underscores the team's unity and shared journey.
Reviving the Game: Challenges and Opportunities
Benjamin Manenti humorously noted that with the Azzurri potentially missing the football World Cup, Italian fans might have only one World Cup to cheer for this year, urging them to "better jump on the back of the cricket team." Reflecting on the sport's trajectory in Italy, he admitted, "But yeah, it was prominent in the 1990s and 2000s and then it died off a bit. But now it's back again. They're very excited about it, they're very passionate." He emphasized that cricket is loved by many worldwide and hopes Italy's presence on the biggest stage will inspire greater involvement.
Future Prospects: The European T20 Premier League Boost
The off-spinner also highlighted the potential impact of the newly launched European T20 Premier League, which could significantly boost cricket in Italy. "Obviously, the first benefactors will be Holland, Scotland and Ireland. But hopefully in the not-too-distant future there's an Italy team as well," he said. He expressed optimism that after a strong World Cup performance, some Italian players might secure opportunities in the league, leveraging their experience to grow the sport. "Cricket in Europe is very popular, and I think it's only getting bigger," he added, pointing to a bright future.
Embracing the Underdog Role: A Mission for Growth
As Italy's cricket team embarks on its mission to win over the nation, they embrace their status as underdogs. They aim to become the second team that Indian fans, as co-hosts of the tournament, rally behind. This debut is not just about competition; it's about reviving a sport with deep roots and fostering a new generation of enthusiasts in a football-dominated landscape.
