President Marco Mazzieri brings new life to Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball
Roberto Angotti: After two wins over Brazil and Great Britain, what emotions are you feeling?
Marco Mazzieri: The joy, the gratitude, the emotions are unreal right now. But I think we should start from the very beginning about 14 months ago when I made the call to Ned Colletti and ask him if it would help me with this adventure. His excitement was second to none and his commitment since he’s been really something extraordinary. You know he is a big name in the industry of sport in the U.S. Having worked in the Chicago Cubs’ front office (1982-1993) and then becoming the San Francisco Giants’ Assistant General Manager (1994-2004) and later the Los Angeles Dodgers’ General Manager (2006-2014), there is a lot of experience he brings to Team Italy. For him to talk with the agents, the players and the franchise general managers on a one-on-one, face-to-face basis made it kind of easier for me to be able to put this roster and remarkable coaching staff that possesses 21 Word Series rings all together. Not only that, it’s the passion, the leadership, the commitment, the determination and the joy that they bring. To be able to share their knowledge is what makes it special for these players. We have quite a special group of people first, and then, very good players. Our rotation is deep and our lineup, I mean, you’ve seen it for these past two games. The veteran guys and the young ones are doing their job. So it’s very, very special.
Team Italy GM Ned Colletti speaks to the Azzurri squad and staff at Cubs Spring Training Camp in Mesa, Arizona
Roberto Angotti: Team Italy has always been looking upon as the underdog, always fighting as if it’s do-or-die. Does that still apply to this group?
Marco Mazzieri: Yeah, but I would say we don’t mind being the underdog. Throughout my days as Team Italy manager, the Italians were always considered an afterthought. In fact, from the very beginning when all our ancestors came from Italy, they were an afterthought back in the past. But at the same time, they helped build this country. So I think that the pride, commitment and determination of those people who sacrificed everything is what makes these players even more appreciative of being here. I think being the underdog is something that we enjoy because we enjoy overcoming adversities. It’s always been hard for us. The WBC brackets have always been tough for us since the very beginning and we always showed up playing our best. By winning our first two games against Brazil and Great Britain, we have now qualified to appear in our sixth consecutive WBC, which I consider something very special. That was the first step, but now we’re shooting for the next round.
Team Italy managerFrancisco Cervelli
Roberto Angotti: Having secured the silver medal in the 2025 European Baseball Championship, Team Italy has a lot of momentum coming into the 2026 World Baseball Classic under manager Francisco Cervelli. What is the winning formula?
Marco Mazzieri: Let me go back to the beginning of this interview when I told you that the first thing was to call Ned Colletti to help me in putting this roster together. The next step was making a second call to Francisco Cervelli, who from the very beginning of our relationship when he played for me in the 2009 World Baseball Classic as a young prospect at the time. He told me one day that he would be our manager. So it gives me goosebumps by reflecting on this memory 17 years ago. He told me that then and now he is the Team Italy manager and doing a great job. His passion and energy is just second to none. It rubs off on the impact on the players every day. He really cares for his players and what he did last year in the Euros with Team Italy is a sporting miracle, resurrecting from ninth place in the prior edition to a second place finish in 2025. He drove up and down the country to look for the best players in Italy. He discovered some gold along the way because nobody knew about some of them. One day he called me from Parma and said he was watching a second level team. He told me that he was watching this kid taking batting practice and he was hitting the ball like an MLB MVP. We helped develop Giaconino Lasaracina into a prospect who recently signed a professional contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. It is very special for him. A 22-year-old signing a contract with a competitive major league club is to the credit of Francisco Cervelli. What he did was excellent. The team would go to war for him, and the way they played really showed. These guys are pretty much doing the same thing. So, it’s about how much you care for the players. If you want them to give you all they got, you need to show them you really care.
Team Italy pitcher Gabriele Quattrini
Team Italypitcher Claudio Scotti
Roberto Angotti: The World Baseball Classic has always been a platform for Italian players to shine. Who are some of the players that have impressed you the most?
Marco Mazzieri: Gabriele Quattrini and Claudio Scotti are on this roster, but we miss our team captain at home, Alberto Mineo. It’s not the same without him and we are really sorry that he couldn’t be here. He would have shown us his leadership. But Gabriele Quattrini and Claudio Scotti have risen to the occasion. I mean, pitching at this level with no fear and throwing strikes getting people out. Gabriele Quattrini earned the win against Great Britain (1.1 IP, H, BB, K) and ended his outing with a strikeout. It was very, very gratifying for us.All these guys are here to develop. We will possibly see more and more players from Italy making this WBC roster. Because that’s what it’s all about. Vinnie Pasquantino said it best when he revealed that these guys are not only here to win and to compete, but they’re here to give hope to Italian players and help grow the game. It’s always been that way and the fact that they’re really excited in helping the progress program while getting the best result is great.
Dave Righetti, Alessandro Maestri, Drew Rossi, Frank Menechino, Sal Fasano, Jack Santora and Jorge Posada
Roberto Angotti: Team Italy has a dream team MLB All-Star coaching staff. What was your reaction when seeing the names in print for the first time?
Marco Mazzieri: I grew up watching all of them on television. So you can imagine for me what this means for me. During my managing time. Mike Hargrove, Tom Trebelhorn, Nick Punto and all the great coaches that I have worked with have been a blessing. But this WBC coaching staff is the top of the top. It doesn’t get any better than Francisco Cervelli, Jorge Posada, Dave Righetti, Ron Wotus, Frank Menechino, Sal Fasano, Allard Baird, Alessandro Maestri, Jack Santora and Lipso Nava. All because of their love of the game and their love of Italy. There are so many things that go into it. That makes it extraordinary to me because everything is coming together in such a short time. That is kind of gratifying for me as a president. I hope that the people back home will understand what this means as a forward step in our progress with these players on the roster.
Bill Holmberg
Roberto Angotti: Italian Baseball Hall of Famer and former FIBS Academy Director Bill Holmberg must be looking down from heaven and smiling at what you have done.
Marco Mazzieri: He was a great man who was always about growing the game in Italy. Bill Holmberg was always looking at how to improve baseball at all levels. I’m sure he is very happy from up there to see Alessandro Maestri being the pitching coach because of the hard work he put into him. You know, of all those years that I have been managing, I think that we have built a legacy with former players turned coaches like Jack Santora, Frank Catalanotto and Nick Punto. I would love to get Alex Liddi to join us as he is like a son to me. We want and need to make Italy proud.
Team Italy and Los Angeles Angels pitcher Sam Aldegheri
Roberto Angotti: Please give me your thoughts on Samuel Aldegheri after his outstanding pitching performance against Brazil (4.2 IP, H, BB, 8 K).
Marco Mazzieri: It’s hard to find the right words to describe the kind of performance that he had. There’s a lot of pressure in the WBC opening game. Of course, it’s a must-win game. Instead of staying back in Arizona at Angels Spring Training trying to secure a place in the pitching rotation, he decided to come out and represent his country. It says a lot, it shows a lot and the way he performed, I think put himself in a good position to get a rotation spot for the Angels. He painted the corners and had great control on the mound. He just couldn’t do any better. I mean, that’s one of the best performances in the World Baseball Classic that I have ever seen.
Roberto Angotti: Team Italy and Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel also called a great game behind the plate.
Marco Mazzieri: We knew that coming in the WBC. Kyle Teel is the kind of player that is demonstrating his outstanding power and potential here. But the excitement, passion and determination to play for this team is even more impressive. It was hard to sit him out of the lineup yesterday, but we had to because the Chicago White Sox Club didn’t want him to catch back-to-back games in early March. He was a bull in the pen because he wanted to play and that shows a lot.
Roberto Angotti: The Kansas City Royals and Nick Leto, Director of Royals’ Minor League Operations, have been good to Team Italy with the addition of Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone.
Marco Mazzieri: Nick Leto has always been a friend to Italian baseball, and our program. He has always been of a lot of help in many different ways. By having Jac Caglianone and, of course, our captain Vinnie Pasquantino has made it special. Vinnie has embraced the captain role with grace and commitment. I don’t have enough words to thank Vinnie, Jac, Nick, and the entire Royals organization for allowing their players to come here and be the pros that they are.
Roberto Angotti: Any final words for everyone in Italy watching the WBC?
Marco Mazzieri: Give us time. We have an idea and we know what to do. But, you know, things don’t change in a heartbeat. We are trying to do good things with good people. We have the right people to get the job done, but we need time. So be patient. Before commenting or criticizing all the time, just see what you have in front of you.
Roberto Angotti: Thank you for making history! Forza Italia…
How can the World Baseball Classic help the growth and development of the game in Italy?
It’s great. This is part of the larger mission of the game. In the future, we want more Italians on this team. We want to elevate the level of the game and give them more playing time. That’s the question mark all the time. You get five or six months during spring and summer then you lose everything. You don’t do anything in winter. It’s a problem. So you try to figure out a way to keep the players active in tournaments outside Italy in Asia or the Dominican Republic. But the WBC is good for us now. I love it.
After the two pre-WBC exhibition games against the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Angels, what have you learned about the Team Italy players?
There is talent on this team. They are prospects. And the good part is even if they’re not playing and not in the lineup, every time I walk by they look at me. Like they’re waiting to hear when I might be calling on them. They are very aggressive and run the bases well. We have got speed. My idea and the way I like to play baseball is by attacking, attacking, attacking… A lot of guys that can hit for power, and they can hit for extra bases. But the team is solid, and those kids are real players.
Los Angeles Angeles pitcher Samuel Aldeghieri is an Italian-born and developed player proudly representing his country in the WBC. How has his participation given baseball a boost in Italy?
It means a lot, you know, it means like we’re doing something right. He earned it and is the face of Italian baseball right now. I hope we get more like him playing professionally. Unfortunately, due to injury, we don’t have San Marino’s Alessandro Ercolani, who plays Double-A ball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. I hope we can have more guys like Giaconino Lasarcina, who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays just a few days ago. He is a power guy and very impressive. So we want to get more guys like him here in the U.S. They need to come here and learn how to play competitively to get them to take it to the next level. They may miss home because Italy is beautiful, but they need to play in the states where this sport is great. They have got to be able to be here for a long time.
How can Italian players attending U.S. colleges increase their chances of playing professionally?
The shift over the last four or five years is more college players being taken in the draft. American college baseball has a much higher level of development. We need to take our 16 or 17 year old kids and somehow get into that track. I would love our Italian players to go to college. First because you know, I come from Venezuela, where we got no Plan B. It’s either we get signed and play professionally or you go back home. It’s embarrassing to be sent home because there is no Plan B. I would love Italian players to have a Plan B by learning English and earning their college degree. Then they are also able to play baseball by signing a professional contract at 21 or 22 years old. There are more guys going to college now and it’s a great opportunity. We have a young core of 16 to 17-year-old players in Italy. They are able to sign as a professional so we’re looking forward to getting more young guys on board by signing early so that they can develop quickly.
How can we get more Italian children to learn to play and love baseball?
In Italy it is a challenge to find a kid and tell him “Let’s go play baseball.” So what we are doing is introducing Baseball5 in Elementary School, where kids learn the basics of baseball. They like it and eventually we bring them onto the field to play the game. Baseball is probably the hardest sport. It’s not easy to hit, right? You give a kid a bat, and they start swinging and missing. When they don’t have success, they’re going to quit. Baseball5 is the pathway to bring them to the field. So now we have got a bunch of kids playing baseball and also have little girls playing softball.
Tell us about the success you have had with the Francisco Cervelli/IABF Baseball Academy in Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto).
It’s great. I have had an amazing time. We go to tournaments in Europe and last year our team represented Italy at the Pony League World Series in the U.S. The players had a blast. That’s what we’re looking for is to give them opportunities to play at higher levels of the game at a young age. Not only are they playing in Italy or Europe, but they compete abroad in the U.S. and other parts of the world.
Describe your experience during the first year as the manager and leader for Team Italy.
Well, the first year has been a learning year, trying to understand how to make things work successfully in the WBC and beyond. My idea is to make noise. This is the thing, not only just to make some noise, but creating an impact where the people in Italy know what we’re doing. And they start to believe in it because it’s a process. This is not something that you can develop in two years.I am hoping and looking forward to getting a big result here. it’s going to help everything. Whatever you do right here in the WBC, the noise you make, you can feel it deep down in your heart and soul. That’s what we’re trying to do, make noise, and make people believe and understand what we do. Then we can explain to them what we do and keep this movement growing.
What are some of your pitching options in the World Baseball Classic?
We have many pitchers that fill different roles. The challenge in the World Baseball Classic, especially in the first round, is that guys cannot throw back-to-back games as it is early in the year so we have to be able to manage their pitch count. As far as closers, Greg Weissert or Kyle Nicolas are ready. Then you have guys that can give you multiple Innings like Gabriele Quattrini. You saw him pitch really well against the Los Angeles Angels. You know, this guy last year, when you see his numbers and you would think they were a little rough, but his performance at the 2025 European Baseball Championship was one of the best ever and helped us earn a silver medal. His brain works differently. He’s the kind of guy that wants the ball in tough games. So he has earned a roster spot at the WBC. We also have Claudio Scotti, who has played professionally in the minors. He throws hard, 96-97 mph, and is another guy who has earned the right to compete in the WBC. We got options. We just have to let the game tell us what to do. This game is like chess. Sometimes you let the other team score so you can score later.
Team Italy players possess some of the best speed in the World Baseball Classic. Who can make a difference in these games?
I think the only guy that cannot run will run. We have got a lot of speed in Dante Nori, Sam Antonacci and Jakob Marsee. Not only do they have speed, but they know how to use it. They are aggressive and they are waiting. You can see in their eyes. They are waiting for an opportunity to get an extra base. It’s a good thing to have.
Please elaborate about your Team Italy WBC coaching staff (featuring Jorge Posada, Ron Wotus, Dave Righetti, Frank Menechino, Sal FasanoAlessandro Maestri, Allard Baird, Lipso Nava and Jack Santora).
We have got the people here to help me a lot. We have got an experienced coaching staff that is great. I would love to have this coaching staff manage an MLB team one day. With the staff, it is unbelievable. Jorge Posada is now an honorary Italian. I hear a lot of people saying he is not Italian. That’s a matter of baseball, which doesn’t have a flag. He has always preached baseball and is a proven winner. He has five world championship rings for a reason. You should have seen him in Florida work with the Italian-born and developed players for three days during a pre-WBC Spring Training Camp. He was so passionate about helping players and teaching them how to develop and refine their craft. He was free flowing with instruction and information that they needed. The players may have been talented before, but now they are better than ever because of him.
You are considered by many as a player’s manager. Who trained you to become the manager you are today?
I grew up in what I always say was in the best school in the world, the New York Yankees. They taught me how to do things, especially how to prepare myself for that day to win the game. And watching Joe Torre, Joe Girardi, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera every day gave me an idea and how to become a good manager. Managing is not an easy job. There are a lot of challenges and you have to have your eyes wide open all the time. But the key for the success of a manager is his coaching staff. You have got to have a good coaching staff. On our Team Italy WBC coaching staff, we have a total of 21 World Series Championship rings all together. I was able to work as a San Diego Padres coach under manager Bob Melvin, one of the best I have ever worked with. What I learned from him is he let his coaches do their thing to get the job done. He used to tell me to work in my specialized area and that he would always have my back. He would protect his guys, and that’s what I’m doing right now. Our guys are professional so it’s easy, man. I don’t have to worry about anything. I just need to prepare for battle and execute our game plan to be successful.
Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1st round (7th overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft after his outstanding career at LSU, Aaron Nola made his MLB debut on July 21, 2015 and has spent his entire career with the franchise. He quickly became a centerpiece in the Phillies’ rotation. Known for his excellent control, command, competitive instincts, ability to induce weak contact and to pitch deep into games using his signature fastball, changeup, and curveball, Nola has etched his name in stone as one of the game’s premier pitchers by keeping hitters off balance.
The proud Italian American has recorded multiple seasons with double-digit wins and consistent strikeout totals, consistently ranking among the National League’s top starters. 2018 was a breakout year as he was named an MLB All-Star and finished third in National League Cy Young Award voting after tallying 17 wins. He went on to help the Phillies reach the 2022 World Series. Despite being plagued by injury in 2025, Nola still managed to make 17 starts. Over his stellar career, Nola is one of the club’s all-time strikeout leaders and tops many franchise pitching records.
Michael Lorenzen was a two-way star at Cal State Fullerton, where he was both a pitcher and an outfielder. The versatile player was named an All-American and a finalist for the John Olerud Award in 2012. Lorenzen was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1st round (38th overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut on April 29, 2015 and spent his first seven seasons with the Reds as a starter and reliever before playing for the Los Angeles Angels in 2022.
Lorenzen began the 2023 season with the Detroit Tigers, but was later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He became a 2023 MLB All-Star and went on to throw a no-hitter for the Phillies against the Washington Nationals in his home debut with the club. After signing with the Texas Rangers in 2024, Lorenzen was traded to the Kansas City Royals mid-season and remained a Royal through 2025. The Colorado Rockies recently signed him to a one-year deal with a team option for 2027. The 34-year-old right-handed gurler does everything he can to keep his team in the game with quality starts deep into contests.
Greg Weissert was selected by the New York Yankees in the 18th round (548th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Fordham University. The hard-throwing right-handed pitcher was a dominant reliever in Triple-A and was named 2022 International League Pitcher of the Year. Weissert made his MLB debut on August 25, 2022 with the New York Yankees and remained in pinstripes for parts of two seasons. He was traded to the Boston Red Sox in December 2023 and has been a key bullpen arm ever since.
Known as a versatile reliever with a strong slider, Weissert has transitioned into a reliable late-inning weapon, contributing both in middle relief and high-leverage spots. Through the 2025 season, he has appeared in 163 MLB games with a 13–8 record, 3.28 ERA, and 148 strikeouts. This past year, the trusted stopper posted a 2.82 ERA in 72 appearances (67 innings), including four saves, and maintained a 1.16 WHIP. Weissert was last seen throwing a scoreless inning in the 2025 American League Wild Card game against the New York Yankees, proving he was born to perform under pressure.
Adam Ottavino pitched three scoreless innings against Venezuela during the 2009 WBC
Adam Ottavino was drafted in the 30th round of the 2003 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays but chose to attend Northeastern University instead. At Northeastern, he became one of the program’s all-time leaders in strikeouts and was the second-highest draft pick in school history when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the 1st round (30th overall) of the 2006 MLB Draft. Ottavino made his MLB debut on May 29, 2010, logging 5.2 innings in his first big-league game. Claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies in April 2012, Ottavino became a reliable bullpen arm. In 2013, he posted a 2.64 ERA in 51 games. He was named the Rockies’ closer in 2015, but an arm injury and eventual Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the season. After returning, he set a Rockies franchise record with 37 scoreless appearances in 2016 and later in 2018 led the majors in holds with 34.
Ottavino joined the New York Yankees during the 2019 and 2020 seasons before pitching for the Boston Red Sox in 2021, when he made 69 relief appearances and picked up 11 saves. He signed with the New YorkMets ahead of the 2022 season, delivering one of his best years with an impressive 2.06 ERA over 66 games as a setup man. His tenure with the Mets also included leadership roles in high-leverage situations through the 2024 campaign before returning to the New York Yankees in 2025. With 727 appearances to his credit, Ottavino has compiled a 41-43 record, 3.48 ERA, 862 strikeouts, and 46 saves. Known for his powerful right-handed delivery and strikeout ability, the 40-year-old veteran has been one of the most durable and trusted relievers throughout his career. Whether used in setup roles and high-leverage innings or as a closer, he can help Team Italy when needed late in the game.
Samuel Aldegheri grew up in Verona, Italy, where baseball is far less prominent than in the U.S. His early exposure to the sport came from watching MLB games and videos abroad, fueling his dream to play at the highest level. He has made seven appearances (five starts) for the Los Angeles Angels over the last two years. The first Italian-born and developed in history to pitch in the Major Leagues made his MLB debut on August 30, 2024 and a week later on September 6th he earned his first big-league win against the Texas Rangers on September 6, 2024 (6 IP, R, 7 K) He spent most of 2025 was in Double-A (8-8 record, 3.72 ERA) before several appearances between the Big League and Triple-A. The crafty left-handed pitcher has worked to refine his game as both a starter and reliever. He possesses a fastball and a plethora of secondary pitches designed to keep hitters guessing.
Dan Altavilla was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 5th round (141st overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Mercyhurst University and made his MLB debut on August 27, 2016. He began his MLB career working out of the Mariners bullpen until 2020, when he was traded to the San Diego Padres. Altavilla spent parts of two seasons with the Friars before a stint with the Kansas City Royals in 2024. He signed with the Chicago White Sox in 2025, when he made 28 relief appearances (29 innings) and recorded a respectable 2.48 ERA . Having signed a deal the Minnesota Twins this year, the seasoned veteran has eight years of MLB experience with 152 appearances (148.2 IP) and 155 strikeouts with a career 4.00 ERA. He is known for providing middle-inning bullpen depth, mixing a fastball with breaking and off-speed pitches to get hitters out in short bursts.
Joe La Sorsa was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 19th round (548th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of St. John’s University. He progressed through the minors with strong strikeout rates, including a 36.3% strikeout rate at Double-A in 2022 before making his MLB debut on May 29, 2023 when throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. After two appearances with the Rays, he was claimed off waivers by the Washington Nationals in June 2023. The lefty specialist pitched out of the Nationals bullpen in 2023 and 2024, combining for over 30 MLB appearances with a mid-4.00 ERA. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds before the 2025 season and made five major league relief appearances. Known to be effective for his sinker, sweeper and changeup, La Sorsa is currently seeking a new home in the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen.
Matt Festa was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 7th round (207th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of East Stroudsburg University and made his MLB Debut on July 14, 2018 He spent multiple seasons in the Seattle bullpen (2018–2019, 2022–2023) and was idle for a couple years after Tommy John surgery in 2020. Festa split time during the 2024 season between the New York Mets and Texas Rangers, registering a strong 6–0 record with the Rangers in relief. Traded to the Cleveland Guardians on April 30, 2025, he made 63 relief appearances last season. Known as a middle relief specialist with a mix of fastballs, sliders, cutters, and sweepers, Festa provides Team Italy with a lethal mix of effective pitches to attack hitters in the box.
Kyle Nicolas was selected in the 2nd round (61st overall) by the Miami Marlins in the 2020 MLB Draft out of Ball State. In 2021, Nicolas began his professional career with the High-A Beloit Snappers before earning a promotion to the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos. On November 29, 2021, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2022, Nicolas pitched for the Double-A Altoona Curve, making 24 appearances (22 starts) with a 3.97 ERA and 101 strikeouts. During the 2023 season, he split time between Altoona and the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, logging a combined 4–7 record with a 5.20 ERA, 127 strikeouts, and two saves. In fact, while at the Triple-A level, he once struck out nine batters in a single relief outing. The Pirates took notice and quickly added him to the 40-man roster, which resulted in his MLB debut on September 19, 2023. Nicolas began 2024 in Triple-A but was called up in April and spent most of the season with the Pirates, appearing in 51 games with a 2–2 record and a 3.95 ERA over 54.2 innings. He remained on the major league roster in 2025, when also struck out 55 batters and recorded a 1–2 record with a 4.74 ERA in 31 relief appearances out of the Pirates bullpen. Featuring a powerful fastball and a solid breaking ball along with his imposing mound presence, long arms and size (6′3″, 225 lb), Nicolas delivers strikes lightning quick. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds on March 4, 2026 and will report to their Spring Training facility in Goodyear, Arizona after the WBC.
Known for his dominant college career at the University of Mississippi, where he led Ole Miss to its first national championship and was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player in 2022, Dylan DeLucia was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 6th round (181st overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft. He has since performed well in the minor leagues, reaching the Double-A level. In 13 starts (62 innings) for the Double-A Akron Rubber Ducks in 2025, DeLucia registered a 5-4 record with 52 strikeouts and a 3.19 ERA. MLB scouts note his ability to attack hitters and generate strikeouts. He has shown the ability to limit walks and compete effectively in big moments, traits that served him well in both college and the minors. A solid right-handed pitcher with a fastball, slider, cutter and splitter. DeLucia is a welcome addition to the Team Italy pitching arsenal.
Ron Marinaccio was selected by the New York Yankees in the 19th round (572nd overall) in the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of Delaware. He made his MLB debut on April 9, 2022 with the New York Yankees, pitching a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. In his rookie season, he became a reliable part of the Yankees bullpen, posting a 2.05 ERA in 40 games with excellent command and strong strikeout numbers (56 K). He continued to impress with the Yankees in 2023 and parts of 2024, combining for over 80 relief appearances, before being claimed by the Chicago White Sox on September 23, 2024. Marinaccio was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2025 and appeared in seven MLB games (10.2 IP, 0.84 ERA). Across his big-league career, Marinaccio has appeared in 108 games with a 3.02 ERA and 149 strikeouts in 125.1 innings of relief. With an effective mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches to induce swings and misses. this right-handed Team Italy bullpen arm was built to get quick outs and keep runners on base stranded without crossing the plate.
Alek Jacob was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 16th round (490th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Gonzaga University, where he threw a no-hitter against Pepperdine and was named West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2021. He was chosen as the 2022 San Diego Padres Pitching Prospect of the Year and made his Major League debut on July 15, 2023 for the Friars. Over parts of 2023–2025, Jacob has made 39 appearances with 47 strikeouts in 51 innings of relief with a 4.06 career ERA. He features a mix of pitches that allow him to work selectively in late-innings relief roles.
Gordon Graceffo was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 5th round (151st overall) of 2021 MLB Draft out of Villanova. His ability to generate soft contact and prevent extra-base hits were among the calling cards that made him stand out as a professional prospect. Named to the 2021 ABCA All-East Region First Team, Graceffo stablished himself as one of the top pitchers in school history despite having both his sophomore and junior seasons truncated by the COVID-19 pandemic. His career 1.193 WHIP ranked third and 2.86 ERA ranked fourth in the record books.
In 2022, he was named the Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year after combining for a 10-6 record with a 2.97 ERA, 139 strikeouts, and excellent control across High-A and Double-A. In 2023, Graceffo pitched for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, posting a 4.92 ERA in 18 starts and refining his arsenal against advanced hitters. He made his MLB debut on June 29, 2024, appearing in relief and pitching 4.1 innings against the Cincinnati Reds. In 2025, Graceffo split time between the Cardinals bullpen and Triple-A, working primarily as a reliever at the MLB level. He recorded his first major league win on April 30, 2025, tossing five strong innings with five strikeouts and no walks. Graceffo has a combined MLB career 3–2 record with 46 strikeouts in 50.2 innings of work as a spot starter and reliever out of the bullpen. His repertoire includes a fastball that can touch the high-90s and effective breaking pitches.
A product of the FIBS Academy, Claudio Scottisigned 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).
Gabriele Quattrini showcased his pitching prowess at the 2012 European Baseball Academy, a development program for international prospects. Since then, he has played at the highest level in Italy (Serie A) over the past five seasons (46 starts, 60 games). Quattrini has been the driving force for Hotsand Macerata for several seasons and has represented Team Italy in international competitions. At Haarlem Baseball Week 2022, he pitched six shutout innings to lead Italy to a historic win over Cuba. The right-handed pitcher earned a Haarlem Baseball Week 2024 win against Spain with 6.2 innings of quality work. Most recently he threw seven scoreless innings and only allowed three hits in the 1-0 shutout over Germany in the European Baseball Championship quarterfinal game on September 25, 2025. Quattrini is known as a workhorse on the mound with excellent command and is capable of pitching deep into games. He has established himself as one of the elite Italian pitchers in recent times.
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!
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