The pizza chef hoping to star for Italy at T20 World Cup

When asked about the similarities between bowling leg-spin and crafting the perfect pizza, Crishan Kalugamage responds with a playful wink: “It’s all in the fingertips.” The comparison may sound light-hearted, but for Kalugamage, both skills require precision, patience, and subtle control — qualities that have shaped his remarkable journey to the T20 World Cup with Italy.

Born in Sri Lanka, Kalugamage relocated to Lucca, Tuscany, at the age of 15. Adjusting to a new country was not easy, but sport quickly became his bridge into Italian life. Initially excelling in athletics, he later discovered cricket through local amateur matches near his adopted hometown. His natural ability stood out immediately, eventually earning him a place at Roma Cricket Club, one of Italy’s most historic cricket institutions.

Now 34, Kalugamage represents one of five players in Italy’s 15-man squad who developed their cricket within the country. For many in the squad, reaching the T20 World Cup is the result of immense sacrifice. They are now preparing to perform on iconic stages like Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium — venues steeped in cricketing history and watched by millions worldwide.

For Kalugamage, balancing professional and sporting commitments was never straightforward. Working as a pizza chef, he often faced tough decisions between job security and cricketing passion. “I lost quite a few jobs,” he admits candidly. “Sundays are extremely busy in restaurants, and employers don’t always appreciate you missing work to play cricket.” Yet his dedication never wavered.

Italy’s head coach John Davison speaks highly of his leg-spinner. “Crish is a serious threat,” Davison explains. “He can turn the ball sharply both ways, and most teams in this tournament won’t have faced him before. That unpredictability gives us an edge.” Davison, nicknamed “The Spin Whisperer,” has built a reputation over 15 years as one of the finest spin coaches in the game. Australian star Nathan Lyon once called him the best spin coach in the world.

While Kalugamage once spun dough in the kitchen, now it is his deceptive googlies that will test batters in Group C, which includes England, Scotland, Nepal, and West Indies. His story symbolizes the unconventional paths that define this Italian squad.

Interestingly, none of the 15 players were born in Italy. Only a handful speak fluent Italian. Many qualify through heritage or dual citizenship, and some critics have questioned the federation’s strategy of recruiting internationally rather than focusing exclusively on homegrown talent.

For example, South African all-rounder JJ Smuts, who represented South Africa internationally between 2017 and 2021, qualifies for Italy through marriage but has never physically visited the country. Such circumstances have sparked debate, yet within the squad, unity appears unshaken.

Captain Wayne Madsen emphasizes the bond shared by the team. Speaking before Italy’s opening match against Scotland — a game in which he unfortunately dislocated his shoulder — Madsen described the emotional strength within the group.

The 42-year-old, born in South Africa and currently Derbyshire’s club captain, brings vast experience. Despite playing worldwide, he admits this team has left a unique impression on him.

“The heritage, the personal journeys, the sacrifices — it creates a connection that’s hard to explain,” Madsen says. “Every player’s path is different. Some grew up in Italy, others trace their roots through grandparents. We’ve had deep conversations that really strengthened our unity. That togetherness is our greatest strength.”

For both Madsen and Davison, this tournament represents more than results. It is about establishing cricket’s presence in Italy. A strong showing could significantly boost the sport’s development.

“We genuinely believe we can compete,” Madsen explains. “If we reach the top eight, it could transform Italian cricket and change the lives of many players. We want to build something lasting.”

Preparation for such a global stage has required careful mental conditioning. Many squad members have never played in packed international stadiums. In fact, Pakistani-born, Italy-raised left-arm seamer Hassan Ali had never even entered a major cricket stadium before arriving in India.

To prepare for the psychological pressure, the team worked with Dr Andrew Hooton from the University of Derby, a sports science specialist. Hooton has collaborated with Madsen and former Derbyshire coach Micky Arthur, as well as Burton Albion Football Club.

“Some players lack experience in high-pressure, floodlit environments with massive crowds,” Hooton explains. “We’ve focused on helping them maintain concentration and basic skills under stress.”

One technique involves “centering” — controlled breathing and focus exercises similar to those used by elite footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo before penalties. This method helps reduce anxiety and sharpen attention.

Italy’s second match against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium is expected to be played in front of a sold-out crowd of 33,000. The ICC allocated just 75 tickets for Italy’s friends and family, meaning the majority of supporters will likely back Nepal.

“That’s a huge number of fans to win over,” Davison admits, “but we’ll give everything we have.”

Despite the odds, optimism remains high. “We have a platform to elevate cricket in Italy,” says Madsen. “We’re ambitious. We’re not here simply to participate — we believe we can upset stronger sides.”

As Madsen speaks confidently, Kalugamage sits nearby, smiling quietly. With a subtle flick of his fingers — the same motion that controls both pizza dough and spinning deliveries — he signals readiness for the next chapter.

Italy’s journey may have begun in small local leagues and kitchens across Tuscany, but it now unfolds on cricket’s grandest stage. Whether through sacrifice, heritage, or sheer determination, this squad embodies resilience and belief. And for Kalugamage, it all still comes down to the fingertips.

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