From Football Dreams to Cricket Reality: Italy's Thomas Draca Embraces T20 World Cup Stage
In a nation long celebrated for its football legends like Alessandro Del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon, and Francesco Totti, a new sporting chapter is being written. Italy all-rounder Thomas Draca is poised to lead his country's cricket team onto the global stage, eager to soak in the chants of "Forza Italia! Forza Italia!" as they debut in the T20 World Cup.
A Surreal Moment Born from Football Memories
Thomas Draca vividly recalls being just six years old when Italy clinched the FIFA World Cup in 2006, a thrilling penalty shootout victory over France that left an indelible mark. "The moment is going to be surreal. It's a dream come true," Draca told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview. "I was only six when Italy won the football World Cup, and that was probably the first World Cup I remember watching. Funny enough, I was supporting Australia at the time."
He humorously noted the running joke comparing Italian football and cricket, especially since the football team's recent World Cup qualification struggles. "I remember playing a league game in Nepal when commentators kept saying, 'Thomas Draca is playing in a cricket World Cup when the football team can't even make it.' That line always comes up," he added.
The Transition from Football to Cricket
Growing up, football was Draca's primary passion. He played until around 2016, progressing through academy systems in Australia and even trialing with Stoke City in the UK in 2013. "In 2014, I played in the MIC Cup in Spain against teams from Madrid and Barcelona. That's when I really saw the standard in Europe — those kids were on another level and clearly destined to turn professional," Draca explained.
Realizing he couldn't match that elite football level, cricket gradually became his true love. "Cricket, at that stage, was something I played casually — backyard games and junior cricket on Saturdays, just for fun. But over time, cricket became my true love. Growing up, football was the dream; now, cricket is that dream," the all-rounder emphasized.
Family Support and Sporting Choices
Sport at home was always a gentle battle between football and cricket, with his father favoring football and his mother cricket. "My dad never pushed me into anything. He always told me to choose what I wanted to do," Draca shared. While some extended family were initially disappointed by his shift from football, they now fully support his cricket career.
He recounted a charming anecdote: "During the Ashes, my mum suddenly started watching cricket — something I'd never seen before. She even called me to ask about Pat Cummins' haircut. That was probably the first time she'd ever spoken to me about cricket." Draca expressed gratitude for his parents' unbiased support, stating, "Looking back, I'm glad I chose cricket."
Confidence in Facing 'Big' Teams
Italy earned a historic spot in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup by defeating hosts Netherlands in the Europe Region Final, marking a new era for Italian cricket. Drawn in a challenging Group B alongside Scotland, West Indies, Nepal, and England, Italy are set for their maiden world stage appearance.
With little external hype, Draca remains confident. "Our group is strong, but if we can get one or two early wins and then go into the England game on the 16th with momentum, you never know in T20 cricket — anything can happen," he asserted. He highlighted their recent tri-series victory against Ireland, where Grant Stewart's performance—hitting three sixes in a row to seal a win—showcased their potential.
"We've got a strong coaching staff and an open environment where ideas are constantly shared. Our focus is on being the best-prepared team possible," Draca added. "If we can knock off a West Indies or an England, it could really make people sit up and take notice. We're excited about the challenge and we'll give it everything."
Embracing Indian Culture and Cuisine
Beyond the cricket field, Draca has made sampling India's diverse cuisines a top priority. "I'd love to experience the different foods and cultures," he said. Reflecting on a previous trip to Nepal where he stayed mostly in the hotel, he plans to explore more this time. "A few friends are flying to India as well, and we're planning to do this together. It should be a great opportunity to experience everything properly and try different foods," Draca concluded.
