Ciao Cricket! Italian Football Legends Rally Behind Azzurri's T20 World Cup Debut | WATCH

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 11:30 IST

Pirlo and Vieri showcased their support for Italy's cricket team ahead of their debut at 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

The Azzurri are at a World Cup again. No, not that one hosted by FIFA — this time, it’s the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

And even if it involves bats instead of boots, the Italian sporting family is showing up all the same.

Italian football royalty Andrea Pirlo and Christian Vieri have sent messages of support to the Italy men’s cricket team as they prepare for their maiden T20 World Cup campaign.

The crossover might feel unexpected, but the enthusiasm is unmistakable.

Pirlo — 2006 World Cup winner, cultured midfield maestro and scion of a steel empire — appeared to wish the cricketers luck.

Christian Vieri, a known admirer of Australian great Allan Border, also sent a personal message to the Italian squad in India and Sri Lanka ahead of the tournament.

The message underlined a growing effort by Italian sports’ powerbrokers to rally support beyond football, and to put cricket on the national radar.

Italy earned their spot at the expanded 20-team T20 World Cup by finishing second behind the Netherlands in European qualifying. Along the way, they made history, beating Ireland for the first time — their maiden victory over a full ICC member.

While the Italian football team still waits to secure qualification for the next FIFA World Cup, the cricket side is riding a wave of confidence. Recent wins over Canada and others have turned heads, and qualification ahead of higher-ranked nations has raised eyebrows across Europe.

Drawn in the same group as England, Italy know an upset would be monumental. But they’ll quietly fancy their chances. Italians, after all, have a long tradition of unsettling the English on big stages.

Behind the scenes, the Italian Cricket Federation is thinking bigger.

According to federation official Bruno Malaspina, talks are underway with the proposed European T20 Premier League about launching an Italian franchise, potentially by 2027. Grassroots plans are also in motion, with cricket set to be introduced in schools to inspire the next generation.

Italy begin their World Cup journey against Scotland in Kolkata on Monday.

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