It is an undisputed fact that in Italy football rules. But in recent years, baseball has become a popular sport and Italian teams have participated in international tournaments, with good results in European competitions.
Italy has been represented in the World Baseball Classic since its first edition and although the roster certainly includes players born in this country, the contribution of Americans of Italian descent cannot be ignored. There are many MLB players who meet this condition and have reinforced the European team.
The team gave a surprise in 2013 and since then the fans are eagerly waiting to see how far they are capable of going. In 2026 it will be directed by Venezuelan Francisco Cervelli, who was a catcher in the Major Leagues for 13 seasons and wore the uniform of the New York Yankees, among other teams.
Cervelli is on a mission to at least match what they did in the previous edition, when they were led by Hall of Famer Mike Piazza and reached the quarterfinals. “It is an honor to take on this role,” the driver told MLB.com upon announcing the news. “I am ready to get to work and lead this team, inspiring future generations of players.”
Italy is headed to the Quarterfinals in Japan! #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/MIr8q1MK6B
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 12, 2023
What was your best performance?
For Francisco Cervelli, this appointment is a challenge, because Piazza set the bar high. In 2023 he led the Italians to their best performance in the history of the World Classic, when they qualified in a disputed Group A in which all teams finished with an identical 2-2 record.
They advanced to the quarterfinals and were defeated 9-3 by the Japan squad, which ultimately became champions of the tournament. Although that performance represented a lot for the Italian team, they finished eighth in the table, so until now their best performance remains the seventh place that they surprisingly obtained in 2013, when the team went to the second round.
In the first two editions they ranked tenth and in 2017 it was their worst tournament: they finished in 12th place.
The legends of Italy in the World Classic
Several players established in the Major Leagues have worn an Italian uniform throughout the history of the World Classic. In the past they had names like outfielder Sal Frelick and pitcher Jason Simontacchi, as well as Cervelli himself, Alex Liddi, Alessandro Maestri, Pete Incaviglia, Frank Catalanotto, Mike Lowell and Jason Castro.
Piazza, who has his plaque in Cooperstown, was always linked to the national team staff and Jason Giambi and John Franco were also at one time. More recently, the team’s main figures are Kansas City Royals player Vinnie Pasquantino, as well as David Fletcher and Nicky López.
What chances does Italy have in the 2026 World Classic?
In this edition of the World Classic Pasquantino returns and will have the help of Jac Caglianone, while rumors are heard that veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo could come out of retirement to play for Italy.
Although it seems difficult for Italy to get past the first round, since it has to eliminate the United States or Mexico, in the predictions it is seen as part of the top 10 of the tournament. The odds of being champion predicted by betting houses and Artificial Intelligence are just 2%.
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