Italy’s Rising Baseball Star to Lead Azzurri in World Baseball Classic
Samuel Aldegheri, a 2001-born pitcher from Verona, Italy, will take the mound as the starting pitcher for Italy in their opening game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The game, scheduled for Saturday, March 7th at Al Daikin Park in Houston, will pit Italy against Brazil at 7:00 PM Italian time.
A Historic Moment for Italian Baseball
Aldegheri’s selection marks a significant milestone for Italian baseball. He is the first player born and raised in Italy to pitch in Major League Baseball, having made his debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2024 and appearing in five games in 2025. This achievement underscores a growing trend of Italian talent reaching the highest levels of the sport.
Italy’s Deep Pitching Roster
Manager Francisco Cervelli has assembled a robust pitching staff for the tournament. Alongside Aldegheri, the team boasts a deep roster of arms including Dan Altavilla, Dylan DeLucia, Matt Festa, Gordon Graceffo, Alek Jacob, Joe La Sorsa, Michael Lorenzen, Ron Marinaccio, Kyle Nicolas, Aaron Nola, Adam Ottavino, Gabriele Quattrini, Claudio Scotti, and Greg Weissert. This depth provides Cervelli with strategic options throughout the competition.
Tournament Schedule and Key Matchups
Following the opening game against Brazil, Italy will continue their first-round schedule with games against Great Britain on Sunday, March 8th at 6:00 PM, the United States on Wednesday, March 11th at 2:00 AM, and Mexico on Thursday, March 12th at midnight. The final game against Mexico is anticipated to be a crucial contest for securing a spot in the next round.
The Evolution of Italy’s Baseball Program
Italy’s participation in the World Baseball Classic reflects a broader effort to develop baseball within the country. As noted by Cervelli, the goal is to cultivate homegrown Italian talent and inspire a new generation of players. This strategy represents a shift away from relying solely on Italian-Americans and towards building a sustainable baseball culture within Italy itself.
The Azzurri’s Past Successes
Italy previously made waves in the World Baseball Classic three years ago, achieving upset victories over Cuba and the Netherlands. Whereas they ultimately fell to Japan, the defending champions, that performance demonstrated the potential of the Italian team and laid the foundation for their current ambitions.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on Samuel Aldegheri’s performance. As the first Italian-born MLB pitcher, his success could inspire a surge in baseball participation among young athletes in Italy.
FAQ
Q: When does Italy play Brazil in the World Baseball Classic?
A: Saturday, March 7th at 7:00 PM Italian time.
Q: Who is Samuel Aldegheri?
A: He is the first player born and raised in Italy to pitch in Major League Baseball.
Q: Where is the game being played?
A: Al Daikin Park in Houston.
Q: What other teams are in Italy’s group?
A: Great Britain, the United States, and Mexico.
Did you recognize?
Samuel Aldegheri pitched in Double A for 8-8 with an average PGL of 3.72 in 2025.
Want to learn more about the World Baseball Classic? Visit MLB.com’s WBC coverage.
Share your predictions for Italy’s performance in the comments below!
