"We have played against Nepal, Cayman Islands, Argentina and Tanzania before, all of which are good teams. However, we have never played the USA, and I believe, they can provide tough competition," Scuderi was quoted as saying on the official website of International Cricket Council (ICC). [break]
The Australia-born coach has played first class cricket from South Australia and English county team Lancashire. He was also the captain of Italy team during the World Cup Qualifying Series Division-2 held in Malaysia in 2005.
During the games, Nepal entered the semifinals defeating Italy with the help of Shakti Gauchan´s unbeaten 106 runs and half centuries from Mehboob Alam and Kanishka Chaugain. Gauchan´s score is also the highest personal record created by any Nepali player for the national team.
Nepal and Italy will meet face to face in the Division-4 League to be held from August 14 -22 in Italy´s Bologna. Nepal will take on the USA in the opener on August 14 and then clash with Italy the next day.
Nepal were qualified for the League after winning Division-5 on home ground in February earlier this year. Italy, on the other hand, secured third place in the Division-4 league held in 2008 in Tanzania and remain in status quo.
The top two teams of the upcoming league will be promoted to Division-3 while the last two will be relegated to Division-5. The Division-3 league will be held in 2011 in Hong Kong, China. The division leagues are the qualifiers for the ICC World Cup 2015.
Scuderi is worried about the problems they may face ahead of the league. The 41-year old said, "Most of our players are residing outside Italy, and have not found the time for preparation. Fortunately, a few from our team are participating in the ICC European Division 1 Championship 2010 in Jersey this month, and we plan to make the most of it."
Italy grabbed their first victory in Jersey defeating Scotland ´A´ by seven runs on Friday. Italy were beaten in two of their earlier games.
Astro turf to be imported from England
Nepal have sought astro turf from England in order to get used to with the turf that will be in use during the Division-4 league. “We have asked for the same astro turf that will be used in Italy; it has already been sent from England and hopefully we will receive it by Wednesday,” said Binaya Raj Pandey, president of Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).
Pandey said that the cost of astro turf, including freight charge, will be Rs 400,000. Nepali cricketers who have been affected by the monsoon will use the astro turf in an indoor hall for practice, according to Pandey.
Nepali team will leave for Italy a week ahead of the tournament and will play two practice matches on August 11 and 14.
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