Burns, a former Australian Test cricketer who qualifies for the Italians through family heritage, called the moment \u201csurreal\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m really proud of this group,\u201d Burns told ICC Digital. \u201cA lot of planning and preparation went into it. So it\u2019s satisfying from that aspect from the cricket side as well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That planning saw the team conduct rigorous training camps in Rome and the UK, underlining their commitment to preparation. \u201cI said to them the first day in Rome, \u2018I don\u2019t care if we\u2019re playing Luxembourg in the first Sub-Regional game or India in a World Cup Final. I just want us to be the most prepared team in world cricket,\u2019\u201d Burns said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Their tactical acumen was on full display during the European Regional Final in Voorburg. After dominant wins and a crucial upset against Scotland, Italy stood firm against tournament hosts Netherlands. Even in defeat, Burns recalibrated strategy mid-match to secure qualification.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere were probably two games in a game there,\u201d Burns reflected. \u201cThey outplayed us in the first 10 overs\u2026 Then from there we really just had to get a score on the board that we could defend\u2026 I knew the spinners had bowled so well in the tournament that once we got out of the Powerplay\u2026 we were going to be able to regain control.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The contributions of players like Crishan Kalugamage and Ben Manenti were pivotal in clawing back control in that match. And while the players have delivered on the field, the coaching staff\u2019s behind-the-scenes work has been equally vital.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Led by head coach John Davidson, Italy\u2019s setup includes seasoned cricket figures like Dougie Brown and Irish legend Kevin O\u2019Brien. O\u2019Brien, who joined in 2022, has seen first-hand the team\u2019s transformation. \u201cI\u2019ve seen a group of players who have grown and developed into a really close-knit group,\u201d he said. \u201cThe common joining force with this squad is the Italian heritage.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
O\u2019Brien praised Burns\u2019 dedication. \u201cJoe was meticulously prepared. He was 24\/7 invested in this qualification tournament,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Led by head coach John Davidson, Italy\u2019s setup includes seasoned cricket figures like Dougie Brown and Irish legend Kevin O\u2019Brien. O\u2019Brien, who joined in 2022, has seen first-hand the team\u2019s transformation. \u201cI\u2019ve seen a group of players who have grown and developed into a really close-knit group,\u201d he said. \u201cThe common joining force with this squad is the Italian heritage.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As Italy prepare to face the likes of India and Sri Lanka at next year\u2019s T20 World Cup, Burns welcomes the challenge. \u201cYou come to your first World Cup and you want the big stage. I'd love to be playing India in the first game in India.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n