“The year that is ending has been positive in my opinion. After what happened in the past, we have managed to create a truly united group of players who are now just waiting to be able to wear the national team jersey and achieve excellent results for Italy. This attachment and spirit are fundamental to giving us great satisfaction. What happened at the European Championship is a first, important step in this direction.”
This can only be the 2025 analysis of Italy Baseball Elite from his manager Francisco Cervelli. After finishing ninth in the 2023 edition of the European Championship, the Azzurri overturned every prediction and, playing a tournament bordering on perfection, achieved the silver medal, losing 6-5 in the final against the Netherlands to the applause of the Rotterdam audience.
“I still remember well when we gathered for the Italian Baseball Week a few days before the start of the European Championship. The boys still didn’t really know what would happen shortly thereafter, they were disoriented for a moment (smiles NDI). Together with the technical staff we were aware of their abilities and, day after day, they demonstrated it. That “process” on and off the pitch began which solidified a group of players who then became a group of friends. And few manage to beat a group of friends.”
For the Italia Baseball manager, 2026 will immediately be characterized by participation in the World Baseball Classic. The Azzurri, included in the initial group in Houston, Texas, will face Brazil, Great Britain, USA and Mexico starting from 7 March.
“We want to do well. Our goal is to continue to create the right identity, that “The Italian Way” necessary to generally achieve results that give you satisfaction. Precisely for this reason we will play hard from the first pitch of the debut match.”
Daniele Mattioli
In the cover photo Francisco Cervelli speaks to the team during the European Elite Championship last September (DM-FIBS).
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