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!
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!
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.
50% of Americans believe that the supernatural is involved in determining the outcome of sporting events. That percentage includes Americans who pray for God to help their team (26 percent), think their team has been cursed (25 percent) or more generally believe God is involved in determining who wins on the field or on the ice (19 percent). Overall, half of Americans fall into one of these groups, according to a recent Public Religion Research Institute poll.
Many questions remain unanswered, and only God knows the answers. What roles, if any, will Italian-born and developed athletes like pitcher Samuel Aldegheri play in the outcome for the Los Angeles Angels at the Big A and goalie Damian Clara for the Anaheim Ducks just a puck’s throw away at the Honda Center on Wednesday, April 9, 2025? It will be the sixth day of the opening homestand for the Halos after a three-game weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians and the finale of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. It will also be and the second to the last regular season game for the Ducks as they try to extinguish the Calgary Flames on ice. April 9, 2025 is significant because it serves the final opportunity for fans to see both teams in action on the same day by watching the first pitch at 1:07 pm and then later catching the opening face-off at center ice at 7 pm.
In order for both Italians to be on their respective rosters on this particular day, divine intervention and prayers must occur. In the case of the baseball, most MLB teams have a five-man pitching rotation. However, in the case of Samuel Aldegheri, the Verona-born left-handed pitcher has Angels watching over him since Halos manager Ron Washington will protect his rotation early in the season by carrying a sixth starter on their sixth consecutive game of the opening homestand.
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. Lucca-born and San Francisco-raised Marino Pieretti debuted with the Washington Senators in 1945 and earned his first win four years later.
Following his first MLB start against the Seattle Mariners at the Big A on August 30th, Samuel Aldegheri said, “I’m happy for myself and for my family, but I’m happy for my country and for the kids in Italy who might feel like they are nobody, but I just showed them anyone can make it. They have to believe in their dreams and chase them.” Against the Texas Rangers in his first MLB win at Globe Life Park on September 6th, the 23-year-old Italian starter showcased his 94.4 mph four-seam fastball along with his changeup, curveball and slider. By mixing speeds and location throughout his six-inning and seven-strikeout performance, the crafty lefty was able to fool the 2023 World Series Champions. Skipper Ron Washington commented, “He kept a good-swinging team off balance over there. This kid has an idea of how to pitch, and he showed that tonight. He set things up so when he did throw his fastball up in the zone, he got hacks at it.”
Selected in the second round (#60 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, 19-year-old Damian Clara is the first Italian-born draftee in NHL history and the tallest-ever draftee in Anaheim Ducks franchise history. The 6′ 6″ goaltender from the small town of Brunico in the Dolomites made a big impression on Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, who signed the up-and-coming prospect to a three-year entry-level contract on June 3, 2024.
Damian Clara led Team Italy to a bronze medal at the 2023 World Junior Championship (WJC) Division I, Group B tournament, going 3-1-0 with a 1.25 GAA and .954 SV%. He was named the tourney’s Best Goaltender and Team Italy’s Top Player. He also helped the young Italians win gold at the 2022 WJC Division II tournament, earning the Best Goaltender award. Damian Clara represented the Azzurri in the Division I World Championships in 2021, 2023 and 2024. At 16 years old in May 2021, he became the youngest goaltender to ever appear at the World Championships and the youngest player overall in more than 80 years.
Finding success everywhere he’s played internationally, Damian Clara shined in Sweden before getting drafted, posting a .903 save percentage with a 2.79 goals-against average for Färjestad BK at the J20 level. During the 2023-24 season, Clara went 25-8-0 with four shutouts in the HockeyAllsvenskan–Sweden’s second league–where he was named the top junior player and led Brynäs IF to a Swedish Hockey League (SHL) promotion while on loan for more playing time. During the qualification round, he posted incredible figures, recording a 1.68 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage.
Anaheim Ducks Goaltending Coach Sudarshan Maharaj said, “Damien had a pressure-filled season last year, playing for a team that was trying to make the jump back up to the SHL. And when their other goalie unfortunately had to leave the team for personal reasons, Damien was thrust into the starting role and played something like 14 games in a row just trying to establish himself. He did a fantastic job maturing as a goaltender, both technically and mentally. He spent a lot of time on his mental game as well as his technical game and he played some very pressure-filled minutes in the playoffs. Eventually, he was the starting goalie when the team took the step back to the SHL. He had an intense experience last year and he handled it very, very well.”
Although he remains an active force behind Farjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League to gain more valuable experience, the young and promising goaltender’s path to the NHL is clear now that he has secured a three-year entry-level contract with the Ducks. The questions now remains as to when goalie Damian Clara and Angels’ left-handed pitcher Samuel Aldegheri will cross paths in Anaheim. Will divine intervention bring them together in Orange County, California on April 9, 2025?
The writing is on the wall as the Ducks and the Angels have had a series of the cross promotions in the past and have two upcoming events next year. The Ducks are hosting Angels Night on January 7, 2025 and are giving away Angels jerseys to the first 10,000 fans, while the Angels are hosting Ducks Night on September 5, 2025 and handing out Ducks Cooler Bags. At the very least, can we at least have Damian Clara throw out the first pitch to fellow Italian Samuel Aldegheri? Insiders at the Vatican only know…
Roberto shared what the Southern California radio landscape was like in the ‘80s and ‘90s, including when he started “Reggae Revolution” on KNAC and KROQ and co-hosted “3 O’Clock Reggae” on KWIZ with Junor Francis.
He also talks about…
– Meeting and interviewing Peter Tosh
– Introducing reggae and ska to mainstream radio
– Importance of UB40 and Sublime
– Managing Wailing Souls, Pato Banton and Tippa Irie
– Blue Riddim Band, Ranking Roger and Nancy Reagan
– A funny story about Maxi Priest
– His love for and connection to Italy and baseball
Laura Lasorda, daughter of Tommy and Jo Lasorda, will be attending the upcoming Fullerton Sister City Association Grand Tour of Italy Informational Meeting on Tuesday, April 9th at 5 pm inside Fullerton Library Osborne Auditorium. In 2021, Tollo (Chieti) in Abruzzo, Italy became Fullerton’s Sister City in honor of Tommy Lasorda, a 63-year Fullerton resident and Hall of Famer who managed the Los Angeles Dodgers for 20 seasons and led them to two World Series titles. Lasorda’s father, Sabatino Lasorda, was an Italian immigrant hailing from Tollo who came to the United States and met his wife, Carmella Lasorda. Together they raised Lasorda and his four brothers.
Laura Lasorda traveled to Italy in 2022 to represent the Lasorda family when Tollo Mayor Angelo Radica and Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball President Andrea Marcon unveiled the brand new Tommy Lasorda Baseball and Softball Complex in Tollo. She has since become a frequent traveler to Italy and has gone as so far to spend part of the year at her home away from home in Florence.
Laura Lasorda has graciously offered to share her love for Italy with Southern California residents interested in joining the Fullerton Sister City Association Grand Tour of Italy from October 3-12, 2024. She will be the special guest at the informational meeting on Tuesday, April 9th at 5 pm inside Fullerton Library Osborne Auditorium. For further information and detailed itinerary, visit http://www.MLBforLife.com
Fullerton Sister City Association (FSCA) established a sister city relationship with Tollo, Italy on September 22, 2021 in honor of longtime resident Tommy Lasorda and his Italian family roots in Abruzzo. FSCA is proud to announce its Third-Year Anniversary Trip to Italy from October 3-12, 2024. Interested travelers are welcome to attend an informational meeting inside the Fullerton Public Library Osborne Auditorium on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 5 pm.
Below is the tentative itinerary (subject to change):
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Departure from LAX Los Angeles International Airport to FCO Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, Rome, Italy on nonstop flight aboard ITA Airways
Friday, October 4, 2024
Arrival at FCO Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in Rome, Italy.
Bus departure to Hotel at 3:00 pm
Arrival to Hotel Quirinale The Hotel Quirinale offers all guests an unforgettable four-star Roman vacation in the very heart of one of the most celebrated cities on earth. Each of the 209 rooms are decorated with period furniture and equipped with every modern luxury. The excellent service and hospitality of the Hotel Quirinale welcomes tourists, families and business travelers with efficiency, ease and style. Guests can enjoy the elegant restaurant, cozy bar, private garden, exclusive fitness.
All the guests will have a welcome drink at the lounge area of the hotel and later get together for a delicious dinner.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Breakfast at the Hotel Quirinale
Guided tour of Baroque Rome: Discover Rome’s beautiful Baroque treasures on this walking tour that takes you to famous 17th-century landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona. Learn about the architects and artistry that defined the Baroque period from an expert guide, and delve into the city’s ancient history, too, with a visit inside the magnificent Pantheon. The landmarks included in the tour are:
Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps
The Pantheon
Navona Square
Piazza Colonna
Lunch at typical Roman restaurant
Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica With this guided tour in English, you will be able to admire some of the most famous works of art renown all over the world: a journey into time and space, into history and culture, where no exhausting waits in queue are involved. In a relaxed and informal atmosphere, your official Vatican guide will tell you stories and curiosities that will help you to understand the historical, artistic and cultural context that has molded the masterpieces hosted in the in the heart of Vatican City. The tour of the Vatican Museums will culminate with the visit to the Sistine Chapel where you can admire the paintings that truly represent the highest peak of Italian Renaissance art, from the precious frescoes by Botticelli, Perugino, Pinturicchio, to the extraordinary vault cycle and the Last Judgement by Michelangelo.
St Peter’s Basilica tour St Peter’s Basilica serves as the beating heart of the Catholic faith. Witness Bernini’s towering Baldachino, Michelangelo’s Pieta, and so much more. Discover how Michelangelo constructed the massive, 500- year-old dome, a masterpiece of renaissance architecture more than half a millennium ago. Here you will discover the tombs of the most famous Popes in history. − Back to the hotel. Free time to relax − Free time for dinner.
Sunday, October 6, 2024 – Breakfast at the Hotel Quirinale
Guided tour to Ancient Rome Enjoy the privilege of discovering the Roman Forum and Colosseum conducted by an expert specialized in art and history. Your ancient Rome tour includes an unforgettable visit to the Colosseum, the amazing landmark built over 8 years, on request of Emperor Vespasian. Inaugurated in 80 A.C by Titus, with a feast that lasted 100 days, it used to accommodate over 70,000 spectators and host truly exciting events. Experience a firsthand view of the architecture, learn how it was built and what the performances were like. The itinerary then leads you on a lovely walk to the Roman Forum, once the center of Rome’s social, religious, and business, today an uncanny showcase of spectacular ruins. Roam through the columns and alongside temples, the basilicas and public spaces that seem to murmur voices of a time long gone by. The tour will also lead you along the Imperial Forums of the legendary Roman Emperors to the Capitol Hill, that still serves as the City Hall, to the symbolic building that represents the unity of the Country, the Altar of the Fatherland. Landmarks included in the tour:
The Colosseum
Arch of Constantine
Roman Forum
Imperial Forums
Capitol Hill
Altar of the Fatherland
Free time for Lunch
Back to the hotel. Free time for shopping and dinner
Monday, October 7, 2024 – Breakfast at Hotel Quirinale
Bus pick up and departure to Florence
First stop at The Mall Luxury Shopping Outlet An exraordinary shopping experince in the heart of Tuscany. Discover incredible opportunities at the iconic brands’ flagship stores such as:
Check in at The Palazzo Castri 1874 Boutique Hotel
Group Dinner in Florence
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – Breakfast at The Palazzo Castri 1874 Boutique Hotel
Bus pick up for the city center walking tour of Florence Explore the historical center of Florence, an UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, on a walking tour with a professional guide. Hear about the rich history of the capital of Renaissance, as well as its art, architecture, and culture. The grandeur of the Medici’s city’s architecture, art, and culture is reflected in the wealth it has accumulated over centuries. You will see the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore and walk over Ponte Vecchio (Ancient Bridge) on the Arno river. Discover works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Filippo Brunelleschi and Giorgio Vasari. During this amazing tour, walk with a private tour guide, who will illuminate you with the secrets and history of this amazing city. Discover how both art and creativity are present in every street and corner of the city as you discover churches, museums, and monuments, such as:
Ponte Vecchio
Piazza degli Uffizi
Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Brunelleschi Dome
St. John Baptistery
Republic Square
Santa Croce Square and Church
Free time for lunch You can take advantage of the stalls of the Mercato Centrale, with food from all regions of Italy
Shopping at Mercato di San Lorenzo Enjoy a walk among the stands of the San Lorenzo Market, with its artisan leather products
Bus pick up to the US Consulate: Lasorda Recognition (Tentative)
Bus departure to the Cooking Class
Dinner at the Cooking Class
Back to The Palazzo Castri 1874 Boutique Hotel (Afternoon Tea & Desserts at 4 pm)
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 – Breakfast at The Palazzo Castri 1874 Boutique Hotel
Bus pick up and departure to Assisi
Tour of the St. Francis Basilica The Basilica of Saint Francis is a bilevel 13th century building which preserves the tomb of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints in the world. This grandiose gorgeously embellished church also preserves frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti and other well-known medieval painters of Italy and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Indeed, it is one of the most focal points of both art and spirituality. This church is a powerful place for believers and art lovers alike. Your guide will be a Franciscan friar expert in history and art and will take you through the life of the patron saint of Italy
Bus pick up and departure to Marina Gardens Boutique & Suites in Francavilla
Free time at the hotel
Free time for dinner
Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Breakfast at the hotel Marina Gardens Boutique & Suites
Visit and tasting at Olive Oil Museum in Bucchianico
Free time for lunch in Tollo Tollo is the small town of 3900 inhabitants in the Chieti Province from which Tommy Lasorda’s family left to seek their fortune in the United States. Today, like then, the economy is based on the agricultural sector, in particular on the production of DOCG wines. It is remarkable the creation in 2008 of the DOC Tullum, among the smallest in Italy and the first territorial denomination of Abruzzo, transformed into DOCG in 2019. It occupies an extremely limited territory – 300 hectares only and exclusively in the municipality of Tollo – and is characterized by the rigidity of the production parameters. Tollo became Fullerton’s sister city on September 22, 2021 in honor of Tommy Lasorda, on the initiative of his daughter Laura Lasorda, Mayor Angelo Radica, the President of the Italian Baseball Softball Federation Andrea Marcon and thanks to the work of Roberto Angotti and the Tollo Baseball Softball Club. On May 7, 2022, Laura Lasorda officially inaugurated the new Tommy Lasorda Field after the important renovation works carried out by the Municipality.
Meet & greet with the Mayor in Tollo
Visit Lasorda Field
Visit the Tollo Wine Museum
Wine tasting and group dinner at Feudo Antico
Back to the hotel
Friday, October 11, 2024 – Breakfast at the Marina Gardens Boutique & Suites
Bus pick up and departure to Rome
Arrival to the hotel Il Quirinale
Free time for lunch
Bus pick up at the hotel to go to the Olympic Stadium (time TBA – according to soccer schedule). A highly engaging walk consisting of innovative and cutting-edge technologies. The Stadio Olimpico is the temple of Italian soccer (and more) and the tour allows you to relive the great events of this facility and their protagonists, with a unique and unforgettable experience. A journey that starts from a glorious past, represented by its inauguration in 1953, the 1960 Olympics, the IAAF European and World Championships, the 1990 FIFA World Cup, to the contemporary great variety of events, including major concerts. A tour that allows guests to visit its most secret places up close (from the locker rooms to the pitch), the objects related to the great protagonists as well as reliving the great moments, in a highly experiential environment.
Back to the hotel
Farewell group dinner at hotel
Friday, October 12, 2024 – Breakfast at Hotel Quirinale
Bus early pick up to go to FCO Leonardo Da Vinci Airport Rome for return flight to LAX
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