Team Italy manager Francisco Cervelli and the Azzurri baseball squad prepare for battle in World Baseball Classic (WBC) Pool B action featuring USA, Mexico, Great Britain and Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston from March 7-11, 2026 with two Pre-WBC Exhibition Games against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa on Tuesday, March 3rd and the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Wednesday, March 4th.
2026 Chicago Cubs Spring Training single-game tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, December 5th at 11 am (CST). Sign up to become an Angels Insider by clicking HERE in order to participate in the Angels Insider Spring Training Pre-Sale beginning on Friday, November 21st at 10 am (PT) and continuing through Sunday, November 23rd at 10 pm (PT).
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Giacomo Taschin to a minor league contract on April 30, 2025. He was one of 28 teenage players hailing from 11 countries invited to participate in the 2022 MLB College Showcase in Peoria, Arizona. As part of the MLB World Select Team, the 16-year-old battled in the hot October sun belting out 100+ degrees heat to work out and compete. Pitching coach Roger McDowell, who spent 12 years as an MLB pitcher and registered 159 saves as well as the Game 7 win for the New York Mets in the 1986 World Series, helped him retool his leg work. The gifted Italian lefty welcomed the change and commented, “The mechanics, the adjustments are very good.” It would prove to be pivotal in his transformation to become an elite pitcher.
Having played four seasons in Italy’s Serie A for his hometown club in Rovigo and represented Team Italy in the U15 European Championship, the U18 World Cup, and the U18 European Championship, Giacomo Taschin now hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow Italian-born and developed Los Angeles Angels lefty Samuel Aldegheri.
Toronto Blue Jays international scout Harry Einbinder said, “Watching Giacomo’s development both on and off the field has been incredibly rewarding. He’s a special player with great family support, and we’re excited to see what he can do at the professional level. The watching of a player can take several years. In Giacomo’s case because he was part of several Italian teams that traveled internationally, we have had the opportunity to see him for the last three years. It was really helpful because Italy does such a good job of putting together teams that are under 15 and under 18 that we had an opportunity to see him for several years. I think that his signing helps younger players in Italy but especially players who are starting to play baseball to see that it is realistic to play at the highest level or at least the opportunity to sign with a team in the US or Canada. Obviously it takes a lot of hard work, but it shows that is possible. Hopefully Giacomo’s success will set an example for younger players that is realistic to have a career outside of Italy.”
Giacomo Taschin exclaimed, “I am very happy to have reached this small milestone and starting point of a long journey that I have been wishing for. Thank you to my family, my fellow players and teammates and coaches for helping me achieve this goal that I have been dreaming of for a long time.” Forza #Italia!
Since the All-Star break while starting for Triple-A Salt Lake and Double-A Rocket City, lefty pitcher Samuel Aldegheri has recorded impressive numbers: 5-2, 2.43 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 44 K and 15 BB in 55.2 innings pitched. The 24-year-old Verona, Italy native will start for the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 when the Halos host the Kansas City Royals. If all goes well, he will likely return as the starter in the final game of the season against the Houston Astros on Sunday, September 28th.
Team Italy manager Francisco Cervelli is no stranger to Italian baseball as he represented the Azzurri during the 2009 and 2017 World Baseball Classics. “It is a great honor for me to be appointed the manager of the Italian National Baseball Team. Since 2017, when I played my last World Baseball Classic, I have carried a mission in my heart: to help elevate Italy as a reference point for elite baseball in Europe. With humility and gratitude, I want to thank Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball for giving me this incredible opportunity. Representing Italy is not just a responsibility but a dream come true. Wearing this iconic uniform again fills me with pride, and I am ready to work tirelessly to lead this team and inspire future generations of Italian players.”
Miles Mastrobuoni and Brett Sullivan at the 2023 World Baseball Classic
Before introducing the Italian players that are likely to compete for the Azzurri, let’s review How Team Italy can reach the 2025 European Baseball Championship finals. Although the Italians are considered outsiders, Team Italy would like nothing more than to win the Euro Baseball throne in Rotterdam, where the squad last won the championship title in 2012.
Mattia Aldegheri(Pitcher)
Older brother to Los Angeles Angels pitcher Samuel Aldegheri. Mattia Aldegheri has been a consistent starter for Team Italy internationally. During Haarlem Baseball Week on July 16, 2024 against Japan, the right-handed hurler pitched five innings and held the eventual champion of the tourney to three runs on five hits with two strikeouts and two walks. He threw a scoreless inning with two strikeouts against the Team Italy U23 squad on July 16, 2025 and started against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 12th (4 IP, H, 2 ER, 5 K, 4 BB).
Maurizio Andretta(Pitcher)
Maurizio Andretta appeared in two contests at Haarlem Baseball Week 2022. After pitching a hitless inning with one strikeout against host Kingdom of the Netherlands on July 8th, he took the loss against undefeated Japan on July 12th (1.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, K, BB). He was the stopper out the Azzurri bullpen at Haarlem Baseball Week 2024 when he kept opponents off the board in his two appearances. Against silver medal winner USA on July 14th, the right-handed pitcher threw 1.1 innings of relief and surrendered one hit. He also provided long relief in his four scoreless innings against Chinese Taipei on July 17th when giving up just four hits with one strikeout and two walks. At the 2023 European Baseball Championship, Maurizio Andretta kept Sweden off the board on September 25th (2.1 IP, 6 K, BB) and did it again when picking up the win against Switzerland on September 29th (2.2 IP, 5 K, BB). He pitched two innings of relief against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 12th and gave up just one hit with three strikeouts.
Marco Artitzu(Pitcher)
Up-and-coming pitcher Marco Artitzu blanked the Kingdom of the Netherlands at Haarlem Baseball Week 2024 on July 13th (2 IP, 1 H, 1 K), but was ambushed by Japan three days later (2.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 2 BB). He most recently made three appearances against Germany and the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the 2025 U23 European Baseball Championship (0-1, 4 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 5 K, 2 BB). Against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 12th, the promising reliever threw one hitless inning with one strikeout and one walk. He returned two days later against the Czech Republic to pitch two innings of relief and allowed one run with one strikeout and two walks.
Alex Bassani(Pitcher)
Alex Bassani is a Team Italy pitching veteran who never gives up. He made his Azzurri pitching debut in 2017 and has been called upon in every international competition ever since. He earned the save in the 2021 European Baseball Championship bronze medal game against Spain and was the winning pitcher against Curacao at Haarlem Baseball Week 2022. The Bologna native was worth his weight in gold during Haarlem Baseball Week 2024 when allowing no hits against both the Kingdom of the Netherlands on July 13th (2 IP, 2 K) and Spain on July 15th (IP, K). However, the scouting report got out to his opponents a few days later when Chinese Taipei tagged him for three runs on four hits on July 17th. Most recently, Alex Bassani pitched two flawless innings of relief with two strikeouts against the Czech Republic during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 14th.
Matteo Bocchi(Pitcher)
The 29-year-old Parma native competed in the 2008 Little League World Series while on the first-ever Italian squad (Emilia Little League) to play in the international youth competition and a decade later on March 20, 2018 became the first Italian-born student-athlete to play for the College World Series-bound University of Texas Longhorns. Right-handed pitcher Matteo Bocchi signed with the Chicago Cubs on June 13, 2019 and reached as high as AAA playing for the Iowa Cubs. During his two seasons in the minors, he compiled a 4-3 record with one save in 37 appearances (3.90 ERA. 94.2 IP, 109 K). He has since been the most consistent Team Italy starter. During Haarlem Baseball Week 2024, he took the loss against the Kingdom of the Netherlands on July 13th (4 IP, ER, 4 H, 6 K, 2 BB) and held his own against Chinese Taipei on July 17th (3 IP, ER, 2 H, 3 K, BB).
Alessandro Ciarla(Pitcher)
After signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016, Anzio-born Alessandro Ciarla returned to Italy to continue his pitching career. In his eight seasons to date, he has thrown 186.2 innings and amassed 244 strikeouts with an overall 3.33 ERA. The veteran pitcher held the Baseball Globetrotters scoreless (2 IP, H, 4 K, BB) during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 12th.
Luca Di Raffaele(Pitcher)
At Haarlem Baseball Week 2024, Luca Di Raffaele made three appearances. On July 13th against the Kingdom of the Netherlands, he pitched one inning and allowed one run on two hits. He faced Spain twice and fared better on the first encounter on July 15th when throwing 1.1 scoreless innings and later on July 18th gave up three runs on three hits with two strikeouts and two walks. During Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 14th against the Czech Republic, Luca Di Raffaele also made a brief relief appearance (0.1 IP, H, 2 R, BB).
Juan Carlos Infante Jr.(Pitcher)
Up-and-coming hurler and son of Azzurri legend Juan Carlos Infante, pitcher Juan Carlos Infante Jr. made two appearances in the recent 2025 U23 European Baseball Championship. He earned the win against Austria (7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 7 K, BB) on August 7th before facing the Kingdom of the Netherlands in relief two days later (.1 IP, 2 H, R). During his four-year career playing for Modena, he has pitched 172.1 innings and produced 177 strikeouts with an overall 3.08 ERA. Against the Czech Republic during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 13th, the promising pitcher threw one hitless inning.
Angelo Palumbo(Pitcher)
Signed by the Baltimore Orioles in December 2012, Angelo Palumbo pitched for four seasons in the Dominican Summer League (5-19, 3.55 ERA) before enjoying a successful career in Venezuela and Italy. He made his Azzurri pitching debut in the 2018 Super 6 Baseball Tournament when he picking up his first victory over Belgium on September 19, 2018 (5 .1 IP, 3 H, R, 4 K) and returned the following year to beat the Belgians again on September 11, 2019 (5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 K) in the European Baseball Championship. The six-foot-three right-handed pitcher returned for this third Team Italy win against the Czech Republic on September 19, 2019 (6 IP, 7 H, R, 2 K). He later appeared out of the bullpen against the Kingdom of the Netherlands on September 21, 2019 and got both Dutch hitters he faced out easily. During Haarlem Baseball Week 2022, Angelo Palumbo made appearances against Curacao (4 IP, H, 0 ER, 4 K, 3 BB) and Cuba (IP, 1 H). Most recently, he pitched one scoreless inning against the Team Italy U23 squad on July 16, 2025 before taking the loss against the Czech Republic during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 14th (0.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R).
Gabriele Quattrini(Pitcher)
Impressive at Haarlem Baseball Week 2024, pitcher Gabriele Quattrini earned the win over Spain on July 15th (6.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 K, 3 BB). Two years prior at Haarlem Baseball Week in 2022, he picked up another win against Cuba on July 13th (6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 K, 2 BB). The Team Italy workhorse seeks redemption after two lackluster 2023 European Baseball Championship appearances against Sweden (3.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 K, BB) and Switzerland (3.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 7 K). Gabriele Quattrini limited the Czech Republic to one run on four hits with five strikeouts and one walk in his five-inning start during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 13th.
Luis Santana(Pitcher)
Working out of the Parma Clima bullpen during the past two seasons, pitcher Luis Santana has gained his share of Italian baseball fans because of his talent (2-0, 5.01 ERA, 23.1 IP, 29 K in 2024 and 4-1, 4.79 ERA, 47 IP, 56 K in 2025). He has spent nine seasons to date in Italy (27-20, 4.50 ERA 434 IP, 411 K). During Italian Baseball Week against the Czech Republic on September 14th, reliever Luis Santana made a less-than-desirable appearance (0.0 IP, H, 2 ER, 2 BB).
Claudio Scotti(Pitcher)
A product of the FIBS Academy, Claudio Scotti signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 1, 2016. After two years in the Pirates organization, he returned to pitch for Team Italy during Haarlem Baseball Week and the Super 6 in 2018. The hard-throwing pitcher enjoyed success when signing with UnipolSai Bologna and leading the team to two consecutive Italian championship titles in 2019 and 2020 as well as winning the European Champions Cup in 2019. After pitching seven scoreless innings with 16 strikeouts for the Azzurri in the 2021 U23 European Baseball Championship in Verona and after two starts at the 2021 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship in Turin, he signed with the New York Mets on October 2, 2021. Claudio Scotti spent two seasons in the minor leagues before returning to Italy. He made two appearances at the 2023 European Baseball Championship (IP, H, R, 2 K, 2 BB). The right-handed hurler has since pitched two solid regular seasons for Parma Clima (2-1, 4.11 ERA, 30.2 IP, 42 K in 2024 and 5-1, 2.14 ERA, 46.1 IP 55 K in 2025).
Mattia Sireus(Pitcher)
Mattia Sireus made two relief appearances at the 2023 European Baseball Championship against Great Britain on September 26th (1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 3 K, 2 BB) and Croatia on September 30th (3 IP, 2 H, R, 3 K, 2 BB). He took the loss in his start against USA at Haarlem Baseball Week 2024 on July 14th (4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 5 K, 2 BB). The young right-handed pitcher made his two relief appearances at the recent 2025 U23 European Baseball Championship. In 2.2. innings against the Kingdom of the Netherlands on August 8th, he surrendered four runs on five hits with one strikeout and one walk; however, the promising hurler came back strong two days later against the Czech Republic and threw 2.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Making a start during Italian Baseball Week 2025 against the Czechs on September 14th, Mattia Sireus threw 3.2 innings and allowed one run on two hits with three strikeouts and two walks.
Miguel Fabrizio(Catcher/1B)
Signed by the Chicago Cubs in 2017, Miguel Fabrizio played in 181 games and spent five seasons in the minors (546 AB, 148 H, 74 R, 9 HR, 94 RBI, 10 SB .271 BA) before launching his career in Italy. His two seasons at Hotsand Macerata have been successful (195 AB, 60 H, 38 R, 5 HR, 41 RBI, .308 BA). The Team Italy cleanup hitter singled against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 12th. The reliable catcher returned two days later against the Czech Republic and hit an RBI double and later scored.
Samuele Gamberini(Catcher/1B)
A bright spot during Haarlem Baseball Week 2024, slugger Samuele Gamberini raked at the plate (7-for-23, 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .304 BA, .913 OPS) and was named Best Hitter of the tournament. At the recent 2025 U23 European Baseball Championship, the Azzurri cleanup hitter appeared in all five games (5-for-13, 2B, RBI, 6 BB, .385 BA).
Giaconino Lasaracina (Catcher/3B)
Giaconino Lasaracina split time behind the plate and in right field during the 2025 U23 European Baseball Championship. The three-hole hitter went 4-for-16 with two doubles, two walks and two RBI. During his past four seasons playing in Italy for Collecchio and Settimo, he has produced massive numbers (.366 BA, .592 SLG, .440 OBP, 1.032 OPS). Against the Czech Republic during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 13th, the Team Italy DH went 3-for-4 with one double, three RBI and one run scored. He returned the following day against the Czechs and went 2-for-5 with one double, one RBI and one runs scored.
Alberto Mineo(Catcher)
Under the guidance of the late and great FIBS Hall of Famer Bill Holmberg, catcher Alberto Mineo signed with the Chicago Cubs at age 16 on November 20, 2010. He remained in the Cubs organization for seven years before being claimed on the waiver wire by the Toronto Blue Jays on December 14, 2017. He reached as high as Triple-A ball in 2018. Mineo spent 2019 in Double-A before being signing again with the Chicago Cubs on February 12, 2020 and later returning to Italy, where he won two straight European Cups in Parma (2021-22). Having made his national senior team debut at the 2015 Premier 12 and subsequently represented Team Italy in all other major international competitions, he is one of the finest Italian-born and developed players in recent history. During the 2023 European Baseball Championship, he went 6-for-17 (.353 BA) with three doubles, four walks and three RBI. Alberto Mineo led Parma Clima to the 2024 Italian Baseball Series Championship title and Leones de León to the 2025 Nicaraguan Professional Baseball League Championship crown. During Italian Baseball Week 2025 against the Czech Republic on September 14th, he went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
Lorenzo Morresi (Catcher/Infielder)
FIBS Academy graduate Lorenzo Morresi was a solid contributor for Team Italy at the 2023 U23 European Baseball Championship (4-for 11, .364 BA, 2B, HR, 5 BB, 6 RBI) Later serving as designated hitter, catcher and third baseman during Haarlem Baseball Week 2024, Lorenzo Morresi had a big game against USA on July 24th when the utilityman went two-for-three with two runs scored and one walk. the run producer also crossed the plate in subsequent games against Spain, Japan and Chinese Taipei. Back home in Italy playing for Hotsand Macerata in 2025, he hit .368 with six doubles, one triple, three homers, nine walks and 13 runs scored. The versatile player served as DH and shortstop against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week 2024 on September 12th, when he went 3-for-4 (HR, 2 RBI). On the following day against the Czech Republic, the second baseman continued his hot-hitting ways going 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Jesus Carrera(1B)
At Haarlem Week 2024, Jesus Carerra put the ball in play with just three strikeouts in 25 at-bats. He collected seven hits (.280 BA) with two walks and five RBI. During his six seasons in Italy playing for the likes of Hotsand Macerata, he put together strong offensive numbers (699 AB, 263 hits, 61 doubles, six triples, 13 homers, 109 walks, 151 RBI, .376 BA). The Team Italy first baseman hit an RBI single against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 12th.
Ricardo Paolini(2B)
During the 2023 European Baseball Championship, Ricardo Paolini played well defensively at second base and jump-started the Azzurri offense at the top of the lineup (6-for-23, one double, six walks, three RBI. 261 BA). Between his two appearances at Haarlem Baseball Week (2022 and 2024), he has a combined .273 BA (12-for-44) with one double, three walks and two RBI. The Team Italy second baseman collected two hits against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week on September 12th. He returned two days later against the Czech Republic and went 1-for-2 with one walk, one RBI, one run scored and one stolen base.
Gabriele Angioi(SS/2B)
Versatile infielder Gabriele Angioi singled against Japan during Haarlem Baseball Week 2024 on July 16th and walked, singled and scored one run two days later against Spain. He played for Italian powerhouse Parma Clima in 2024 (.328 BA) and in 2025 (.307 BA). The Team Italy leadoff hitter went 2-for-3 against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week on September 12th. A day later In game one against the Czech Republic, he went a perfect 4-for-4 with one walk, one RBI and one run scored. Gabriele Angioi returned to the top of the Azzurri lineup in game two against the Czechs, picked up another hit and later scored.
Renzo Martini(3B)
Signed by the New York Yankees in 2011, Renzo Martini spent five years in the minor leagues before playing in his native Venezuela. During his six-season career playing in Italy’s Serie A, corner infielder Renzo Martini has compiled an impressive .368 batting average with 63 doubles, 19 home runs, 167 RBI and 85 walks. He singled, doubled and scored against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 12th. Then the Italian slugger went 3-for-4 (home run, five RBI and two runs scored) on the following day against the Czech Republic. He once again raked at the plate in game two against the Czechs on September 14th, when going 2-for-3 with one triple, one RBI and one run scored.
Nathanael Batista(OF)
In the 2023 European Baseball Championship, Nathanael Batista went 8-for-22 (.364 BA) with seven walks, six RBI and four runs scored. At Haarlem Baseball Week 2024, the agile outfielder hit ..357 with one double, one homer, two walks and three RBI. He recently led San Marino to the 2025 Italian Baseball Series Championship title after putting together good regular season stats (.283 BA, nine doubles, one triple, five home runs, 26 walks and 23 RBI). During Italian Baseball Week 2025 against the Czech Republic on September 13th, the left fielder went 2-for-5 with one double, two RBI and two runs scored. He came back the following day against the Czechs and collected another hit, RBI and walk.
Jhorjan Guevara(OF)
SIgned by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019, Jhorjan Guevara played two seasons in the minor leagues (.221 BA, nine doubles, HR, 23 BB, 14 SB) before launching an eye-popping career in Italy for Modena (2024: .365 BA, nine doubles, two triples, three home runs, 10 walks, 25 RBI, 12 SB; 2025: .476 BA, 10 doubles, three triples, five home runs, 14 walks, 29 RBI, nine SB). He singled and walked against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 12th. On the following day against the Czech Republic, the center fielder went 4-for-4 with two runs scored. The Team Italy power hitter had another monster day against the Czechs on September 14th, when going 2-for-3 with one home run, one walk, two runs scored and one stolen base.
Noel González(Utility)
Representing Team Italy in the 2021 European Baseball Championship, leadoff hitter Noel González was an integral part of the Azzurri bronze-medal squad. During his five-year career playing for Parma Clima, he has put together incredible numbers (.370 BA, 56 doubles, seven triples, seven home runs, 99 BB, 128 RBI, 12 SB). Against the Czech Republic during Italian Baseball Week 2025 on September 13th, the Cuban native went 2-for-4 with one RBI and two runs scored. He returned the following day against the Czechs and registered one hit, one walk, one RBI, one run scored and one stolen base.
Filippo Agretti(Utility)
Playing primarily third base with one start in right field for Team Italy at Haarlem Baseball Week 2024, Filippo Agretti was a bright spot in the Azzurri lineup (8-for-24, .348 BA, double, walk, four RBI). He had a monster 2025 season for Bologna (.354 BA, 11 doubles, three triples, 37 walks, 15 RBI, 6 SB). Against the Baseball Globetrotters during Italian Baseball Week on September 12th, the dependable utility man played left field, singled and later scored. He came back two days later against the Czechs and picked up an RBI.
Returning to Rotterdam, where Team Italy last won the 2012 European Baseball Championship title, is a dream come true for the Azzurri as the Italians seek redemption to recapture the gold magic again thirteen years later.
Team Italy celebrates winning the 2012 European Baseball Championship
Assuming victories in the games listed below, Team Italy will once again be at the throne of Euro baseball.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Group B fourth-place finisher (Kingdom of the Netherlands, Great Britain, France and Israel)
Thursday, September 25, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Group A leader (Spain, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden)
Friday, September 26, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Semifinalist or Group A runner-up (Spain, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden)
Saturday, September 27, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Finalist or Group B leader or runner-up (Kingdom of the Netherlands, Great Britain, France and Israel).
Watch all the action live by clicking HERE or get the latest scores by clicking HERE. Forza #Italia!
2023 WBC stars Nicky Lopez, Vinnie Pasquantino, Miles Mastrobuoni and Brett Sullivan
Despite a 4-2 record during the 2023 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship in the Czech Republic, Team Italy placed ninth due to Team Quality Balance. After suffering an 8-3 upset by Sweden (8th place) and a heartbreaking 11-10 loss to eventual silver medalist Great Britain early in the tournament, the Azzurri did not reach the quarterfinals. As a result, the Italians were relegated to the 9-12 placement round and did not automatically qualify for the 2025 European Baseball Championship in the Netherlands.
Now Team Italy must earn the right to compete against the top 2023 Euro finishers (Groups A and B) in Rotterdam from September 24-27, 2025 by hosting and winning one of two qualifiers (Group C) in Novara from September 20-22, 2025. The Italians begin their journey in Novara with the aim of returning to Rotterdam, where the Azzurri last won the 2012 European Baseball Championship title and aspire to recapture the gold magic again thirteen years later.
The top eight finishers from the 2023 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship are broken up into two groups, Groups A and B, in a round-robin tourney at Neptunus Familiestadion in Rotterdam. Group A features reigning champion Spain along with Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden, while host 2023 bonze medalist Kingdom of the Netherlands competes in Group B with Great Britain, France and Israel.
Eight countries competing in the 2025 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship Qualifiers are included in Groups C and D at different locations. Group C takes place in Novara, where Team Italy faces Switzerland, Greece and Lithuania. Belgium hosts Group D in Borgerhoutm and plays against Croatia, Austria and Hungary.
The top two teams from Groups C and D advance to Rotterdam and play the third and fourth-place finishers from Groups A and B. Then the winners of the aforementioned clashes together with the first two teams from Groups A and B compete in an elimination round to determine the medal winners.
Below is the road map for Team Italy manager Francisco Cervelli and technical coaching coordinator Gibo Gerali to lead the Azzurri squad to the 2025 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship final:
Saturday, September 20, 2025 9:30 am (ET) Switzerland vs. Team Italy in Novara
Sunday, September 21, 2025 9:30 am (ET) Team Italy vs. Lithuania in Novara
Monday, September 22, 2025 9:30 am (ET) Greece vs. Team Italy in Novara
Assuming Team Italy wins all three games listed above in Novara and continues to win the games below in Rotterdam then the road map looks like this:
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Travel Day to Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Group B fourth-place finisher (Kingdom of the Netherlands, Great Britain, France and Israel)
Thursday, September 25, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Group A leader (Spain, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden)
Friday, September 26, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Semifinalist or Group A runner-up (Spain, Germany, Czech Republic and Sweden)
Saturday, September 27, 2025 1:30 pm (ET) Team Italy vs. Finalist or Group B leader or runner-up (Kingdom of the Netherlands, Great Britain, France and Israel)
Team Italy hopes to recapture the European Baseball Championship throne after a lengthy 13-year drought. The Italians have won the Euro title ten times, while Kingdom of the Netherlands has dominated the tournament with 24 first-place finishes. The last time the two powerhouses met was at the Euro Championship final in 2019, when the Dutch prevailed in a 5-1 Euro Gold Medal victory in Bonn, Germany. It has been a long four years since 2021 European Baseball Championship host Team Italy earned a medal after a 2-0 shutout over Spain in the Bronze Medal Game in Torino.
Team Italy vs. Kingdom of the Netherlands
Nothing would be more enjoyable than a rematch between Team Italy and Kingdom of the Netherlands in the 2025 European Baseball Championship final in Rotterdam, where the Italians last won the Euros in 2012. Purchase your tickets for EuroBaseball 2025 by clicking HERE. If you cannot make it in person, watch all the action live by clicking HERE. Forza #Italia!
Team Italy and Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino earned American League Player of the Week honors after batting .500 with a 1.305 OPS, .536 OBP and .769 slugging percentage. The “Pasquatch” also hit two home runs and collected seven RBI.
The 27-year-old slugger tied a career-high of four hits in the first game of last Thursday’s doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals and reached base four times against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. He hit home runs in consecutive games on Friday and Saturday after starting the week with an RBI in five straight games.
Even more impressive, the proud Italian American native has reached base safely in 24 consecutive games, second–best in MLB behind Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez, who leads the league with 34. Vinnie Pasquantino is currently on a nine-game hitting streak.
It is the second time in his career winning AL player of the week, claiming the award back on August 15, 2022. He also played error-free defense, converting 40 total chances in five games at first base, including this web gem in which he robbed Andrew Benintendi of a base hit with a dive to his right, before spinning and firing a strike to pitcher Seth Lugo covering first base.
Buongiorno! Proud to say I will be representing Italy again in the 2026 World Baseball Classic! Excited for another opportunity to represent my heritage on this stage. Going to be a special group of players suiting up next year! Forza!!!!! 🇮🇹 🇮🇹☕️☕️ pic.twitter.com/Lx8l24wgCu
Representing the Azzurri in the 2023 World Baseball Classic under the leadership of National Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza, Vinnie Pasquantino helped Team Italy reach its best-ever finish in the WBC Quarterfinals in Tokyo. With former MLB fan favorite and manager Francisco Cervelli leading the charge, the sky is the limit as “Pasquatch” returns to Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The Italians compete in Pool B against host USA, Mexico, Great Britain and Brazil at Daikan Park in Houston from March 6-11, 2026. Forza #Italia!
Halos manager Ron Washington has recalled pitcher Samuel Aldegheri to launch from Double-A Rocket City to Fenway Park in time for the three-game series against the Boston Red Sox.
Sam Aldegheri has a locker in the #Angels clubhouse
After the Verona,Italy-born hurler made three starts for the Los Angeles Angels last year, Samuel Aldegheri is ready to make his 2025 big league debut after being optioned to the minors during spring training. The 23-year-old lefty has continued his development as a starter this season for the Rocket City Trash Pandaswhere he had posted a 4.54 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 41.2 innings in eight appearances. It is speculated that the first Italian pitcher born in Italy to record a Major League victory since 1949 will be used out of the bullpen for multi-innings of relief since the club’s starting rotation is currently set in stone. Forza #Italia!
Team Italy catcher and Azzurri cleanup hitter Brett Sullivan, who led all catchers in the 2023 World Baseball Classic with seven hits and compiled an impressive .368 batting average (7-for-19) during the international competition, was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for outfielder Bryce Johnson and cash considerations on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
The 31-year-old Italian American adds catching depth to the Buccos as Endy Rodriguez remains on the injured list with a right index finger laceration and Joey Bart deals with ongoing lower back soreness. Backstop Henry Davis is currently the only healthy Pirates catcher.
Brett Sullivan appeared in 40 MLB games with the San Diego Padres — 33 in 2023 and seven in 2024. In 97 Big League at-bats to date, he possesses a Major League career .206 batting average with two homers and eight RBI. While a member of the Friars, the outstanding defender was commended for his acrobatics at the plate and the subject of an MLB.com article entitled ‘I just went full-extension’: Catcher makes leaping tag at home by Padres beat reporter AJ Cassavell.
Selected by the Tampa Bays Rays in the 17th round of the 2015 draft out of the University of Pacific, Stockton native Brett Sullivan remained in the same organization until late 2021 when he signed a short-lived minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Victor Caratini on April 6, 2022. Prior to making his 2023 MLB debut, he played in 61 games at Triple-A El Paso and compiled a .328 batting average with seven home runs and 41 RBI. Although catcher has been his primary position, “Sully” has also played first base, third base and left field during his career.
Brett Sullivan represented Team Italy in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, playing under manager Mike Piazza. He wrote on his Instagram page: “I’ll never forget the memories I made during this time. We put together a group that leaves it all out on the field. Thank you everyone for all of your support. We will be back 100 percent. Forza Italia!” The Italians advanced to the quarterfinals, losing to eventual champion Samarai Japan.
A strong supporter of Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball, “Sully” made an appearance at CON-X 2024, the Italian Baseball and Softball Convention. He spoke on the role of the catcher as well on the technical innovations of batting during the three-day convention at the Palacongressi in Rimini before hosting a catcher’s clinic at Collecchio Baseball Softball’s Giannino Zinelli complex. Forza Italia!
The Chicago Cubs signed versatile infielderNicky Lopez to a one-year contract on April 23, 2025 after releasing him earlier in the spring. The Cubbies initially offered a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training on February 7, 2025, but the 30-year-old utility man was one of the final roster cuts before the MLB Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. During 2025 Spring Training with the Cubs, he played in nine games and hit .450 (9-for-20).
The Team Italy 2023 World Baseball Classic spark plug (9-for-19, .474 BA, 2B, 3B, BB, SB, 2 R, 7 RBI) was an American League Gold Glove finalist last season while holding down second base for the Chicago White Sox (124 games, .241 BA). The left-handed hitter and speedster has played six seasons in the big leagues, mostly for the Kansas City Royals, who drafted him in the fifth round in 2016.
Nicky Lopez signed with the Los Angeles Angels on March 25, 2025 and made four sporatic MLB appearances (SS, 3B, LF) before being designated for assignment on April 18, 2025 to make room on the Halos roster for fan favorite Zach Neto after returning from the injured list. The proud Italian American has since made a few pinch-hit appearances and played second base for the National League Central first-place Cubs.
Nicky Lopez enjoyed every moment while wearing the Team Italy uniform in the 2023 WBC. He said, “It was an unbelievable experience. Just to be able to do it with Italy, where my ancestors grew up and are from and be able to visit Italy and see what life is like over there. I look forward to actually this next offseason going back there. But I mean, it was unbelievable, and I look forward to (representing) them again. We are proud to wear the shirt with the word Italia on our chest.”
Join the Fullerton Sister City Association as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the sister city relationship with Fukui, Japan on Japanese Heritage Night at Angel Stadium on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Make sure to arrive well before the 7:07 pm start to enjoy the free pre-game cultural celebration which will feature entertainment for the whole family including a taiko drum performance, food and giveaways. When purchasing tickets through the Fullerton Sister City Association, you will receive an exclusive Japanese-themed Angels jersey before the first pitch at the gate 5 courtyard. In addition, you will be helping Fullerton’s sister city in Tollo, Italy raise funds for members of Tollo Baseball and Softball and the Abruzzo All-Stars realize their dream competing in the USA and joining Team Italy at the2026 World Baseball Classic in Houston. Email FSCAYoung@gmail.com for tickets and more information.
Yusei Kikuchi is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels. Halos manager Ron Washington gave him his first regular-season Opening Day start in his six-year MLB pitching career on March 27, 2025. The crafty Japanese lefty agreed to a three-year deal worth $63 million this offseason and is one of several veterans who was signed to supplement the club’s young core. Prior to the start of the season, the 33-year-old southpaw pitcher had a career 4.57 ERA with 837 strikeouts in 809 2/3 innings and posted a 4.05 ERA with 206 strikeouts in 175 2/3 innings with the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros last year. He was particularly impressive pitching for Houston with a 2.70 ERA in 10 starts with 76 strikeouts in 60 innings. On Sunday, April 20, 2025, Kikuchi (3.38 ERA this season) allowed one (unearned) run on five hits over 5 1/3 innings with six strikeouts and four walks in a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants.
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi speaking to media upon his signing
History was made on August 30, 2024 when Samuel Aldegheri became the first Italian-born and developed pitcher in Major League Baseball while starting for the Los Angeles Angels and again on September 6, 2024 when he was the first pitcher born in Italy to record a Major League victory since 1949. The 23-year-old Verona native is currently pitching for Double-A Affiliate Rocket City Trash Pandas, and it won’t be long before the Angels’ Top 5 prospect re-joins the Big League squad in the pennant race.
Italian-born Samuel Aldegheri in action against the Texas Rangers on September 6, 2024
Make sure to catch all the action at the Big A on Saturday night, August 2, 2025 and receive the limited-edition Angels Japanese-themed jersey when purchasing tickets through the Fullerton Sister City Association. Email FSCAYoung@gmail.com for further information.
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