Latest news with #Italia
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
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) 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 by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo "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. Cricket may never reach football's level in Italy, but to do something even close would mean a lot. Thomas Darcy 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. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Today's Papers – Lookman wants Inter move, Sancho close to Juventus
La Gazzetta dello Sport Azzurre into the semis Italy among the top four in Europe after 28 years: super Girelli against Norway Napoli buy, the Nerazzurri reply Lookman, there's Inter Agreement with the Atalanta striker. 40m ready, but 50m are needed. Sebastiano Esposito to Parma, Leoni closer Sancho close Double negotiation between Juventus and Man United. Rashford too. From De Bruyne to Lucca: the champions are worthy of the double Corriere dello Sport The sky is blue Women's Euros: immense Italy into the semis Lookman wants Inter Oaktree offers 40m, Atalanta ask for 50, negotiations underway The Nigerian has an agreement: Dea obstacle Atletico Madrid also looking for Ademola, who dreams of playing with Lautaro and Thuram. Tug-of-war with the Percassi Napoli wait for Lucca Hjulmand has chosen Juve Milan take lesson from Modric Rios to Roma, it's time Tuttosport Juve Sancho incoming The Englishman's agents are in Turin for the final details There is an agreement with the player and Man United, who ask Juventus to contribute to the severance pay. Nico, Atalanta option if Lookman goes to Inter. Pre-season starts in a week: soft approach with Vlahovic, who will train under Tudor, waiting for a solution. Renewal with a pay cut, Schuurs is not up for it Inter sprint: Lookman says yes Bayern and Man City tempt Gigio Girelli never ends, semifinal after 28 years
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Emotion, unity and drive help Italy end 28-year wait to reach Euro semi-finals
GENEVA: Team unity drove Italy to end their 28-year wait to reach the semi-finals of the Women's European Championship, Italian midfielder Giada Greggi told Reuters after their 2-1 quarter-final win over Norway. 'I think the humility, the fact that we are a united group, showing our qualities, that's what made this important result and we brought it home,' Greggi, who came off the bench in the 77th minute of Wednesday's encounter, said. The raucous Italian crowd urged their players on, with chants of 'forza Italia' and the Stade de Geneve lit up when Cristiana Girelli found the net twice in the second half, including a 90th-minute winner. 'There were a lot of emotions in that (second) goal. It was the whole journey we took, the sacrifices we made and in the end we reached the semi-final,' Greggi stated. Kerolin hat-trick leads Brazil past Bolivia in dominant Copa America Win 'It was a fantastic feeling. We almost didn't believe it at the end of the game,' said Michela Cambiaghi who also came on in the 77th minute. Italy defender Elena Linari said the 35-year-old Girelli was an inspiration for the team. 'Now we're going to put Girelli in a display case to rest for the semi-final - she deserves it all, and she's such a huge inspiration for us,' Linari said. It was the first time since 1997 that Italy had reached the semi-finals at a European Championship. 'It was achieved with effort and many sacrifices … today we have shown that we can do very well,' Greggi said. Before the match Italy's coach asked his team to close their eyes and think back to the first time they had touched a football, Barbara Bonansea said. 'The feeling I have now is exactly the same. The stadium was packed, the energy was incredible. This achievement fills my heart,' she added. Italy will face either England or Sweden in the semi-final.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Emotion, unity and drive help Italy end 28-year wait to reach Euro semi-finals
GENEVA: Team unity drove Italy to end their 28-year wait to reach the semi-finals of the Women's European Championship, Italian midfielder Giada Greggi told Reuters after their 2-1 quarter-final win over Norway. "I think the humility, the fact that we are a united group, showing our qualities, that's what made this important result and we brought it home," Greggi, who came off the bench in the 77th minute of Wednesday's encounter, said. The raucous Italian crowd urged their players on, with chants of "forza Italia" and the Stade de Geneve lit up when Cristiana Girelli found the net twice in the second half, including a 90th-minute winner. "There were a lot of emotions in that (second) goal. It was the whole journey we took, the sacrifices we made and in the end we reached the semi-final," Greggi stated. "It was a fantastic feeling. We almost didn't believe it at the end of the game," said Michela Cambiaghi who also came on in the 77th minute. Italy defender Elena Linari said the 35-year-old Girelli was an inspiration for the team. "Now we're going to put Girelli in a display case to rest for the semi-final - she deserves it all, and she's such a huge inspiration for us," Linari said. It was the first time since 1997 that Italy had reached the semi-finals at a European Championship. "It was achieved with effort and many sacrifices ... today we have shown that we can do very well," Greggi said. Before the match Italy's coach asked his team to close their eyes and think back to the first time they had touched a football, Barbara Bonansea said. "The feeling I have now is exactly the same. The stadium was packed, the energy was incredible. This achievement fills my heart," she added. Italy will face either England or Sweden in the semi-final.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Emotion, unity and drive help Italy end 28-year wait to reach Euro semi-finals
Find out what's new on ST website and app. GENEVA - Team unity drove Italy to end their 28-year wait to reach the semi-finals of the Women's European Championship, Italian midfielder Giada Greggi told Reuters after their 2-1 quarter-final win over Norway. "I think the humility, the fact that we are a united group, showing our qualities, that's what made this important result and we brought it home," Greggi, who came off the bench in the 77th minute of Wednesday's encounter, said. The raucous Italian crowd urged their players on, with chants of "forza Italia" and the Stade de Geneve lit up when Cristiana Girelli found the net twice in the second half, including a 90th-minute winner. "There were a lot of emotions in that (second) goal. It was the whole journey we took, the sacrifices we made and in the end we reached the semi-final," Greggi stated. "It was a fantastic feeling. We almost didn't believe it at the end of the game," said Michela Cambiaghi who also came on in the 77th minute. Italy defender Elena Linari said the 35-year-old Girelli was an inspiration for the team. "Now we're going to put Girelli in a display case to rest for the semi-final - she deserves it all, and she's such a huge inspiration for us," Linari said. It was the first time since 1997 that Italy had reached the semi-finals at a European Championship. "It was achieved with effort and many sacrifices ... today we have shown that we can do very well," Greggi said. Before the match Italy's coach asked his team to close their eyes and think back to the first time they had touched a football, Barbara Bonansea said. "The feeling I have now is exactly the same. The stadium was packed, the energy was incredible. This achievement fills my heart," she added. Italy will face either England or Sweden in the semi-final. REUTERS
