Football Powerhouse Italy Makes Historic Cricket World Cup Debut Against Scotland

• Four-time FIFA World Cup winners Italy, known as Gli Azzurri, are set to make their maiden appearance in the ICC T20 World Cup.
• Italy qualified for the expanded 20-team tournament through the European regional qualifiers, securing second place on a superior net run rate.
• The country's cricket history dates back to 1793, with Genoa Cricket and Football Club and AC Milan's origins reflecting the sport's legacy.
• The national side comprises players of Italian heritage and immigrants, including South African-born captain Wayne Madsen and Sri Lankan-born bowler Crishan Kalugamage.
• Italy enters the tournament with strong form, having won their last three matches, including a historic victory over ICC Full Member Ireland and a prior win against Scotland in qualifiers.