Italy score, Australia assist: How expats from Down Under returned to their roots and fuelled cricket’s revival in the football-obsessed nation
When you think of Italy, cricket likely isn’t the first sport that springs to mind. The country is globally known for its deep-rooted love of football, its passionate Serie A fanbase, and its long-standing Olympic presence. But tucked between the Roman ruins and sun-soaked vineyards is a growing network of cricket pitches—thanks, in part, to a passionate group of expats from Down Under.
These Australian-Italians, many of whom were raised on the game of cricket, are now returning to their ancestral homeland not just to rediscover their roots, but to help sow the seeds of a sporting revolution.
From Backyard Cricket to Italian Club Leagues
For generations of Italians living in Australia, cricket was more than just a summer pastime—it was part of the cultural fabric. Many of them, born to Italian immigrant families, grew up idolizing Aussie cricket legends while maintaining strong emotional ties to their heritage. Now, as adults, some are returning to Italy permanently or semi-permanently—and they’re bringing the bat and ball with them.
What started as a few informal games in the outskirts of Rome and Milan has blossomed into an organized effort to revive cricket in Italy. With coaching programs, local leagues, and youth academies springing up, cricket is slowly but surely becoming more than just a novelty in the country.
The Role of Expats in a Sporting Renaissance
Leading this effort are individuals like Marco Rinaldi, a Melbourne-born cricket coach who relocated to Florence in 2019. “When I first moved here, most people didn’t even know what cricket was,” Rinaldi says. “Now, we’ve got school programs, weekly matches, and even parents asking how their kids can get involved.”
It’s not just about teaching technique. These expats are bringing with them Australia’s highly structured approach to grassroots cricket development—complete with formal coaching, focus on discipline, and a deep love for the sport. Their enthusiasm has proved contagious, especially among younger Italians who are looking for something different from the country’s dominant football culture.
Support from Home and Abroad
This revival hasn’t gone unnoticed by cricketing bodies either. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has increased its support for Italy, providing funding, development tools, and access to international competitions. Meanwhile, clubs and organizations in Australia have stepped in to offer assistance—donating equipment, sending volunteer coaches, and even organizing training camps for Italian teams.
Some Italian clubs have even formed official partnerships with Australian counterparts. For example, Roma Cricket Club has teamed up with a local club in Sydney to host exchange programs and training collaborations.
Breaking Cultural Barriers
In a nation where football culture is almost sacred, the introduction—or reintroduction—of cricket hasn’t always been smooth sailing. “We were laughed at in the beginning,” says Giovanni De Luca, a 19-year-old player from Naples. “People thought cricket was too slow or too complicated. But once they tried it, they started to love the strategy and teamwork involved.”
What’s helping the cause is Italy’s increasingly multicultural identity. As immigration from South Asia and Africa continues to grow, so does the interest in cricket. Communities from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are actively participating in local tournaments, creating a melting pot of talent that blends expat Australians, native Italians, and cricket-savvy newcomers.
A National Team in the Making
Italy’s national cricket team, which used to be a footnote in European qualifiers, is slowly becoming competitive thanks to this renewed momentum. Several team members are second-generation Australians or players with dual citizenship, who now represent Italy on the international stage.
One such player is Nicola Perera, born in Brisbane but playing under the Italian flag. “It’s an honor to play for Italy. It’s my heritage and my future,” he says. “We’re trying to build something that lasts—not just a team, but a culture.”
The team recently posted strong performances in T20 World Cup qualifiers, sparking hope that Italy could someday earn a place in a major ICC event.
Women in Cricket: A Quiet Revolution
Another promising trend is the growing participation of women in Italian cricket. Though still in its early stages, women’s cricket is slowly gaining traction, supported by expat-led initiatives to make the sport more inclusive.
Players like Sara Lombardi, a 22-year-old from Venice who was introduced to cricket by her Australian cousins, are becoming ambassadors for the game. “It’s empowering,” she says. “There’s space for women here, and we’re writing our own story.”
Looking Ahead: More Than Just a Game
Cricket’s revival in Italy isn’t just about sport—it’s about identity, connection, and cultural exchange. For the Australian expats involved, it’s a way of honoring their family roots while giving something back to the homeland. For young Italians, it’s a gateway to global sport and new communities. And for the nation itself, it’s a reminder that even in a land dominated by calcio (football), there’s room for a little leather and willow.
The road to mainstream popularity is still long. Cricket in Italy remains a niche pursuit, often practiced in parks far from the spotlight. But the signs of growth are undeniable—and thanks to a passionate group of Australians who dared to dream, cricket’s comeback story is now unfolding on Italian soil.
