Italy's 10-wicket rout of Nepal, led by the Mosca brothers, has injected belief into their T20 World Cup campaign. Punters: England remain clear favourites, but Italy represents value as a live underdog — consider small-stake upset bets or Italy + economy markets; an Italy win would be a high-return shock if they replicate that form at Eden Gardens.
Mosca brothers spark Italy’s unexpected T20 World Cup momentum
The Mosca brothers, Anthony and Justin, have become the faces of Italy’s surprising start to the T20 World Cup after a dominant 10-wicket win over Nepal. Their performance has shifted attention onto cricket in a nation more famous for football, and it has given Italy confidence ahead of a high-stakes clash with England at Eden Gardens.
From Sydney streets to Italian pride
Anthony, a 34-year-old carpenter, and Justin, a 31-year-old teacher, grew up in Sydney with strong Italian roots. They describe a childhood steeped in Italian culture — family gatherings, jerseys and a love of sport — and say their heritage remains central to their identity as they represent Italy on the global stage.
Celebrity encounters and team spirit
In their preparation the brothers even bumped into football icons Mario Balotelli and Paolo Maldini at an airport, and the squad has soaked up moments that have lifted morale. The team celebrated the Nepal win with song, even belting out Andrea Bocelli’s version of “Perfect Symphony” on the bus, underlining the camaraderie fueling their campaign.
Thrashing Nepal puts Italy on the map
Italy’s comprehensive victory over Nepal has raised the profile of cricket back home, where dedicated grass pitches remain scarce. The result has been framed as a milestone for the sport’s growth in Italy, with players hoping that success on this stage will translate into a broader domestic expansion.
Squad makeup, criticism and context
Italy’s squad has faced scrutiny about its links to the country, but five of the 15 players were born and raised in Italy; others qualify through family heritage. The Mosca brothers, born in Sydney, point out that many players have lived, worked and developed their careers in Italy, and say criticism overlooks those genuine ties and sacrifices.
England showdown: what’s at stake
England need a win to guarantee progression to the Super 8s. For Italy, victory would keep an improbable qualification dream alive and mark one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. The Moscas insist backing their skills could take them close, and they see a potential shock at Eden Gardens as a springboard for cricket’s future in Italy.
Betting angles and match markets
England start as strong favourites, but Italy’s recent form suggests value for punters willing to back the underdog at bigger odds. Consider small-stake outright upset bets, match-winner markets with an Italy long-odds selection, or alternative options such as Italy + economy or limited-overs totals where the pitch and conditions could influence scoring. Risk management is key: Italy’s confidence matters, but England’s depth and experience remain decisive.
What a shock win would mean for Italian cricket
A victory at Eden Gardens would be seismic: it would thrust Italy into the global cricket conversation and provide momentum for grassroots growth back home. For players like Anthony and Justin, it would validate personal sacrifices and could be the catalyst for a broader sporting movement in Italy.
Lyon’s Tyler Morton confirms England ‘objective’
From meeting Mario Balotelli and Paolo Maldini to singing Andrea Bocelli and Ed Sheeran on the bus after their maiden T20 World Cup win, BBC Sport takes a look inside Italy's tournament.
The Bbc
