Some diehards will head to Eden today, to see Italy take on Scotland (in cricket)

Kolkata: On the football pitch, they have fought some high-pitched battles. On a cricket ground, they remain unknown quantities, barely qualifying as ‘minnows' in a game dominated by India, Australia and South Africa. While Italy's defensive skills in football are legendary, their mastery with the willow was never witnessed in this part of the world. Scotland's toughness on the football field, on the other hand, is well documented, though their skills with the bat and ball faltered against the West Indies in the opening game of the ICC T20 WC. As the two square off at Eden Gardens on Monday, fans in Kolkata are keen to witness the two football giants compete in cricket.
Techie Souvik Basu rooted for Italy till they last qualified for the football World Cup in 2014. "Sadly, they have slid down the FIFA rankings and are no longer the powerhouse they used to be. But having grown up idolising Maldini, Baresi, Schillaci and Baggio, I can't help but support them in cricket. It would be lovely to see them wear the same blue jersey which used to make waves on the football pitch. I wish they play India at some stage in this World Cup," said Basu."Kolkatans are football-crazy, so the interest surrounding the Italy match is understandable. They play Scotland, which is also a strong football nation. So, the tussle between the two on a cricket field will be amazing to watch. Many, including groups, bought tickets for the match from us, and there would be many more making a last-minute dash. Fans need a reason to be at the stadium, and this is a good one. There will be more as the World Cup advances," said Manav Soni of the Travel Agents' Association of India.The Wayne Madsen-led side includes former South African player JJ Smuts. While they practised at an empty Eden on Sunday afternoon, some eager fans did drop in for a glimpse. Ardent Italy football fan Shamik De said he plans to drop in with friends at Eden on Monday. "It's a working day, but the chance to catch Italy playing an international match, be it in any game, is rare. I will root for the ‘Azzuris', though Scotland are the favourites," said De.While in football Italy enjoys a better record, having defeated Scotland in three of their last four matches, the Scots are a veteran of five T20 World Cups and won seven out of 22 matches."The city is passionate about sport, especially football and cricket. Italy invokes names and nostalgia, though they have not been qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in recent years. The chance to catch their cricket team in action has obviously evoked an interest in the match which, otherwise, might have gone unnoticed. So, we may have more football fans than cricket lovers on the ground on Monday. But irrespective of who plays, the WC has started generating an interest, and Eden Gardens will be buzzing as the tournament progresses," said Joydeep Mukherjee of Meghdootam Travels.