"Every darts fan in Italy will be having a big party" - Italy darts breaks new ground by reaching World Cup of Darts quarter-finals

In a historic day for Italian darts, Michele Turetta and Massimo Dalla Rosa dumped out former World Cup of Darts winner Australia to reach the quarter-finals of the 2024 edition in Frankfurt.

The Italians were ahead for almost the entire match against Simon Whitlock and Damon Heta, but seemed to give it away at the end. The Australians were broken as early as the second leg, and a 20-darter then made it 3-0 for Turetta and Dalla Rosa. This was followed by five breaks in quick succession, before Australia equalized again in the tenth leg and although a deciding leg was eventually forced, Italy was allowed to start the last leg, but did not do well with scores of 59 and 45. Whitlock opened with a 180 score and moments later Heta was allowed first shot at the win. The Heat got three matchdarts, but missed them all. Turetta then failed to throw out 44, giving Whitlock three matchdars as well. 'The Wizard' was also unable to cash in on them, with Italy punishing.

“This is very emotional. We have worked hard to arrive here, so it’s unbelievable feeling,” reflected Turetta, who continues to be a trailblazing figure in Italian darts, after earlier this year becoming the first ever PDC Tour Card holder from his nation, in the Italians post-match press conference, with Massimo Dante acting as interpreter. “We know that every darts fan in Italy will be having a big party tonight, but we are still pushing to improve.”

"The last couple of years in Italy, steel tip darts is growing up really quickly," the Italian duo continues. "We see more and more Italians playing in Q School. The problem about the Italian people is they don't want to spend more money. But, we believe in it and this could be really important for everyone."

In the quarter-finals this Sunday, Italy will now go head to head with Belgian duo Dimitri Van den Bergh and Kim Huybrechts, who knocked out the Netherlands on Saturday night.