Team Italy’s World Baseball Classic Journey: A Gaze Ahead
Francisco Cervelli is leading the Italian National Team into the 2026 World Baseball Classic, placed in Group B alongside Brazil, Great Britain, the United States, and Mexico. The team’s preparation is well underway, beginning with a team meeting at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona.
Preparing for the Tournament
Following initial practice sessions at Sloan Park, the training ground for the Chicago Cubs, Italy has scheduled two high-level exhibition games. On March 3rd, they will face the Chicago Cubs at 1:05 PM Phoenix time (9:05 PM Italian time). The following day, March 4th, they will play the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium at 1:10 PM Arizona time (1:10 AM Italian time). After the game against the Angels, the team will travel to Houston to start the group stage of the WBC at Daikin Park.
Group Stage Schedule
Italy’s opening game is against Brazil on March 7th at 12:00 PM local time (7:00 PM Italian time). They will then face Great Britain on March 8th at 12:00 PM local time (6:00 PM Italian time). A challenging match against the United States is scheduled for March 10th at 8:00 PM local time (2:00 AM Italian time on March 11th). The group stage concludes against Mexico on March 11th at 6:00 PM Houston time (midnight in Italy between March 11th and 12th).
The Roster
Francisco Cervelli has announced the full roster for the tournament:
- Pitchers (15): Sam Aldegheri, Dan Altavilla, Dylan Delucia, Matt Festa, Gordon Graceffo, Alek Jacob, Joseph La Sorsa, Michael Lorenzen, Ron Marinaccio, Kyle Nicolas, Aaron Nola, Adam Ottavino, Gabriele Quattrini, Claudio Scotti, and Greg Weissert.
- Catchers (2): J.J. D’Orazio, Kyle Teel.
- Infielders (8): Sam Antonacci, Jon Berti, Zach Dezenzo, Andrew Fischer, Giaconino Lasaracina, Miles Mastrobuoni, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Thomas Saggese.
- Outfielders (5): Jac Caglianone, Dominic Canzone, Jakob Marsee, Nick Morabito, and Dante Nori.
Building a Baseball Legacy: Cervelli’s Long-Term Vision
Italy manager Francisco Cervelli is focused on building a sustainable program, not just achieving short-term success in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He is working to develop a young core of players capable of competing in multiple Classics. He is assisted by four-time World Series champion Jorge Posada, who will serve as an assistant hitting coach, providing mentorship and expertise to the team’s hitters.
The Growing Importance of International Competition
Veteran players from both Italy and the Netherlands have emphasized the growing importance of the World Baseball Classic. Shairon Martis of the Netherlands, who threw the first no-hitter in WBC history in 2006, noted the tournament’s increased stature. Both programs are leveraging veteran leadership and sustained development within Europe to strengthen their teams.
FAQ
Q: Where will Italy play its group stage games?
A: Italy will play its group stage games at Daikin Park in Houston.
Q: Who is the manager of the Italian National Team?
A: Francisco Cervelli is the manager.
Q: When does Italy play the United States?
A: Italy plays the United States on March 10th at 8:00 PM local time (2:00 AM Italian time on March 11th).
Q: Who is assisting the Italian team as a hitting coach?
A: Jorge Posada, a four-time World Series champion, is serving as an assistant hitting coach.
Did you grasp? Francisco Cervelli played for the Novel York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, and Miami Marlins during his MLB career.
Stay updated on Team Italy’s progress throughout the World Baseball Classic. Explore more articles on international baseball and follow the tournament action!
