In a sporting narrative that reads like a Hollywood script, brothers Anthony and Justin Mosca are spearheading Italy's charge at the T20 World Cup, a journey marked by encounters with footballing royalty and a growing passion for cricket in a football-dominated nation.
From Aussie Streets to International Crests
Born in Sydney, Australia, the Mosca brothers, Anthony (34) and Justin (31), embody a unique blend of Italian heritage and cricketing ambition. Their qualification for the T20 World Cup isn't just a personal triumph; it's a significant moment for Italian cricket, a sport striving for broader recognition in a country famed for its footballing prowess.
The brothers' journey has been punctuated by surreal moments. Prior to their World Cup campaign, they received good luck messages from Italian football icons Andrea Pirlo and Christian Vieri. More recently, while preparing in Dubai, they had a chance encounter with football legend Mario Balotelli and Paolo Maldini at the airport. "I know Christian Vieri is aware of cricket, and just to even be in any of their company has been amazing," Justin, a teacher by profession, told BBC Sport. The younger Mosca brother is even growing his hair to emulate the iconic Maldini's distinctive style.
A Thumping Victory and National Buzz
Italy's emphatic 10-wicket victory over Nepal on Thursday has catapulted the team into the national sporting consciousness, even amidst the ongoing Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The win was so significant that it was hailed by the renowned Italian sports newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, as "a result that enters the anthology of our sport."
The team's celebrations on the bus in Mumbai were a testament to their spirit, as they serenaded each other with renditions of Andrea Bocelli's hits, including his collaboration with Ed Sheeran. "Obviously, Ed Sheeran's a legend and then when the Italian version came on, into that second verse, it was like 'wow, this is amazing'," shared Anthony, a carpenter by trade. He even expressed a desire to send a message to Bocelli himself, should he follow cricket, to offer tickets.
Bridging Cultures, Building a Cricket Future
The Mosca brothers are acutely aware of the impact their performances can have on the growth of cricket in Italy. "[The win is] obviously something small that can increase Italy's cricket community and getting onto a bigger stage," Anthony remarked. "Like I've said many times before, Italy is such a passionate country with everything they do so with a bit more eyes on the game hopefully it expands a bit more for us."
Cricket in Italy faces unique challenges, including the absence of dedicated grass cricket pitches. Yet, the team's success is a testament to the passion and dedication of its players. While five members of the 15-man squad live and have grown up in Italy, the remainder, including the Moscas, qualify through their Italian ancestry. This composition has sometimes drawn criticism, questioning the team's Italian identity. However, the brothers highlight their deep-rooted connection to their heritage.
Embracing Italian Roots
Anthony reminisces about a childhood filled with Italian culture: "On our street there was a lot of Italians there and we always had a lot of functions. Our cousins would come over and we'd be watching the football. We'd walk around with Italian jerseys and we'd go to Italian restaurants and have coffees." He playfully adds, "On the other end we would be having a VB [Victoria Bitter beer] or we'd be watching cricket and the Boxing Day Test. I reckon 99% of us use our hands a lot when we talk. If we're having a disagreement with each other or something, then there are hands waving everywhere."
Justin acknowledges the external criticism but remains unfazed. "A lot of the boys that live there have sacrificed so much for a better life and they've grown there - they've learnt their trade through Italy," he stated. "That doesn't seem to get highlighted as much but at the end of the day in our circle we know our heritage, our culture, we know where we're from so that's all that matters." This sentiment echoes the broader context of international cricket, where teams often feature players with diverse backgrounds, such as England fielding players raised in Barbados.
Looking Ahead: Facing England and Beyond
With a crucial match against England on the horizon, the Italian team, led by the Mosca brothers, is ready to seize the moment. Their journey is more than just a tournament; it's a narrative of passion, heritage, and the burgeoning possibility of cricket becoming a significant sport in Italy. The world will be watching to see if these Italian cricketers can continue to write their extraordinary story on the global stage.
