Italy Prepares for World Baseball Classic Opener Against Brazil
SUGAR LAND, Texas – The Italian national baseball team completed its final training session Friday at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas, ahead of its highly anticipated debut in the 2026 World Baseball Classic against Brazil on Saturday. The team is preparing for a challenging tournament, with manager Francisco Cervelli emphasizing a focused approach.
The Azzurri will face Brazil at 7:00 PM Italian time (1:00 PM CT) at Daikin Park in Houston, which is an indoor venue. Cervelli noted the adjustment to playing indoors, stating, “Here in Texas, it’s normal, especially because it gets really hot outside in the summer. The only thing that changes is the noise, which is louder, and therefore you need to be 100% focused throughout the entire game.”
Sam Aldegheri has been named the starting pitcher for Italy against Brazil. Cervelli explained the decision, stating Aldegheri “has earned it,” and highlighted his distinction as the first Italian-born and raised pitcher to take the mound in Major League Baseball. Cervelli also mentioned a conversation with Alessandro Maestri regarding Aldegheri’s deserved opportunity.
The team has faced roster challenges leading up to the tournament, with three adjustments due to injuries. Renzo Martini recently replaced Lasaracina. Cervelli acknowledged the difficulties, saying, “I’m sorry for Giaconino, but that’s life and that’s baseball: one gets injured, one steps in, and we move forward. Renzo was training anyway, he’s ready.”
Friday also marked Cervelli’s 40th birthday, celebrated by the team. “I’m 40, but I feel like 45 already,” he joked.
Brazil Aims to Upset in Return to the Classic
Brazil returns to the World Baseball Classic for the first time in 13 years, aiming to make a historic run to the second phase. The team will be without MLB star Bo Bichette, but is led by manager Daniel Yuichi Matsumoto and a staff including former MLB players Yan Gomes, Andrè Rienzo, and Paulo Orlando, a 2015 World Series champion with the Kansas City Royals.
Joseph Contreras, a 2008-born pitcher and son of former MLB pitcher José Contreras, is considered a key prospect for Brazil, boasting a fastball that can reach 98 mph. Lucas Ramirez, son of MLB legend Manny Ramirez, and Dante Bichette Jr., brother of Bo Bichette, are also players to watch. The Brazilian pitching staff also includes Eric Pardinho, a former Blue Jays prospect, and Thyago Vieira, with experience in the US and Japan. Notably, Tiago Da Silva and Murilo Gouvea, both previously with the Italian national team, are now representing Brazil. Victor Mascai, who played for Nettuno 1945 in Italy’s Serie A1 in 2025, is also on the Brazilian roster.
Schedule for Italy in Pool B
Here is Italy’s schedule for the first round of the World Baseball Classic, with times listed in Italian time:
- Brazil – Italy (Saturday, March 7, 2026, 7:00 PM Italian time)
- Great Britain – Italy (Sunday, March 8, 2026, 6:00 PM Italian time)
- USA – Italy (Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 2:00 AM Italian time)
- Mexico – Italy (Thursday, March 12, 0:00 AM Italian time)
All games will be played at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. The 2026 World Baseball Classic culminates with the championship game in Miami, Florida on March 17, as reported by Baseball America.
Italy will be looking to advance from Pool B, which also includes Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico, and the United States. The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarterfinals. The tournament is a key stepping stone for nations hoping to qualify for the 2028 Olympic baseball tournament in Los Angeles, with the top two teams from the Americas earning a spot, as noted by Wikipedia.
The team’s approach, as emphasized by Cervelli, is to take the tournament “lancio dopo lancio” – pitch by pitch – and maintain intensity throughout. Fans can follow the team’s progress throughout the tournament.
The stakes are high as Italy begins its journey in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The team’s performance in Houston will be closely watched by baseball fans around the globe.
