John Davison is Italy head coach as they make a World Cup push with Joe Burns appointed as the skipper of the side.
John Davison, the former Canada captain and Australian state cricketer, has been named Italy’s T20I coach.
In order to secure two spots in the main competition in early 2026, Italy will participate in the European Regional Finals of the T20 World Cup qualification process in the Netherlands starting in late June. They will play alongside Jersey, Guernsey, Scotland, and the Netherlands.
“I am excited and honoured to be appointed head coach of the Italian T20 men’s program,” Davison said. “I didn’t take much convincing once I heard about the players and people involved.
“I have experienced the thrill of qualifying for World Cups as a player for Canada, and I look forward to repeating that thrill with a diverse and dedicated group of players and staff representing Italy.”
Davison’s 2003 111 off 76 balls against the West Indies at Centurion was the high point of his World Cup playing career.
Since retiring, he has worked extensively with players including Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson, and Matt Kuhnemann as a spin-bowling coach and consultant, especially with Australia.
Davison will work with Joe Burns, the new captain of Italy and a former Queensland and Australia opener who qualified for the team in May of last year thanks to his mother’s ancestry.
Ben and Harry Manenti have also played for Italy in addition to Burns. Due to their Italian ancestry, it is believed that Tasmanians Tim Ward and Jake Doran are in the running for the qualifications, albeit they have not yet received permission to play. Jason Ralston, who played for Australia’s Under-19 team, and Matthew Fotia, a former Victoria quick, are also included.
“I am honoured to take on this role and represent Italy on the international stage,” Burns said when named captain. “For me, it is a return to my family’s roots. Italian cricket has enormous potential and I am excited to contribute to its growth. Together with my team-mates, we are working to achieve ambitious goals and make our fans proud.”