ROVIGO, Italy – The Itas Mutua Baseball Softball Club Rovigo officially launched its 2026 season this morning, presenting its programs, teams, and plans for the year ahead at the traditional season-opening event held at the Tassina diamond in Rovigo. The event brought together athletes, coaches, management, sponsors, local officials, and supporters of the club.
This marks the 54th season for the club, a significant milestone reflecting its long-standing commitment to baseball and softball in the region. The 2025 season saw considerable success, with over 200 games played, an Under-18 baseball championship title, two appearances in championship finals, four regional cup victories, over 180 participants in the “Summer Camp,” more than 15 players receiving regional team call-ups, and consistent representation in youth national teams.
Club President Alessandro Boniolo emphasized the club’s spirit as it enters the new sporting year: enthusiasm, a desire for growth, and a strong sense of belonging. “So far, we have always managed to raise the bar year after year,” Boniolo said. “It certainly won’t be effortless to do even better this season, but I am confident that every team will provide their all for the club and for the entire city of Rovigo.”
In 2026, the Itas Mutua Baseball Softball Club Rovigo will field 16 teams across baseball and softball, demonstrating the vitality of its youth development programs and the broader movement. All eyes are on the Senior baseball and softball teams, which will compete in the top national leagues. The baseball team will compete in Serie A, aiming to maintain its competitive standing. The roster from the previous season has been largely retained, including foreign players Franco Pizzoli and Lennard Pietersz. Gilbert Perdomo, a pitcher from Tecnovap Verona, joins the team as a new addition.
The softball team will debut in Serie A1 after a historic promotion last season, with their first game scheduled against Collecchio. The Serie B softball team will continue to serve as a crucial development platform for young players aspiring to reach Serie A1, fostering the growth of the women’s softball program. The club will also continue its activities in Serie C baseball, a developmental league for young players, and the Elite division in the amateur league. A notable addition for 2026 is the formation of a Baseball 5 team, a rapidly growing discipline that the Itas Mutua Rovigo has quickly embraced.
The club’s commitment extends beyond competitive play. The baseball program for the visually impaired, coordinated by coach Loris Bucca, will continue to be a priority, aiming to establish Rovigo as a national reference point for the sport. This initiative is linked to the inclusive project “Rovigability,” which connects seven sports organizations to promote inclusion through sports, coordinated by Paolo Bertante.
The club’s youth pipeline begins with the minibaseball program and progresses through various age groups – Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 15, and Under 18 for baseball, and Under 13, Under 15, and Under 18 for softball. Traditional youth tournaments, including the “Città di Rovigo,” will be held, alongside various extracurricular activities, such as the “Summer Camp” (running from June 9th to September 4th), school programs, and promotional activities for baseball and softball throughout the region. The club will also continue to host training camps for youth national teams and welcome delegations from the United States, solidifying Rovigo’s central role in the Italian baseball and softball landscape.
The presentation was attended by representatives from local institutions and sponsors who support the club’s sporting, educational, and social activities. Rovigo Mayor Valeria Cittadin highlighted the importance of sport for physical well-being and community building. “The atmosphere here demonstrates that sport is fundamental not only for physical health but also for promoting relationships, togetherness, and sharing among people from all over the world,” she said. She also thanked those who dedicate their time to the club’s project.
Vice Mayor and City Councilor Andrea Bimbatti announced improvements to the Tassina field, including the completion of the softball field’s lighting system within 15-20 days and the planned installation of lighting for the baseball diamond between summer and autumn. Discussions are also underway to add a small grandstand overlooking the softball field and to expand the entire facility to provide more space for the teams.
Councilor Edoardo Lubian expressed confidence in a successful season for the club, particularly for the softball team as they commence their Serie A1 campaign. Pia Poliero, president of the Panathlon Club Rovigo, praised the Baseball Softball Club Rovigo as a model organization, demonstrating that hard work and enthusiasm can lead to significant achievements.
A surprise contribution came via telephone from Marco Mazzieri, President of FIBS (Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball). Mazzieri congratulated the club on its achievements and highlighted the recent success of the Italian national team at the World Baseball Classic, reaching a historic semi-final. “The successes of the Azzurri must be shared with the entire movement,” Mazzieri said. “Rovigo is one of our most important clubs, and we hope that, thanks to this unique moment for Italian baseball, we can attract many new boys and girls to the diamond. I promise to visit Polesine soon to meet with the club again.”
Representatives from Itas Mutua, the club’s main sponsor, Lorenzo Rossi and Matteo Felisatti, emphasized the company’s 20-year commitment to supporting the club, often citing it as a successful example within the company’s headquarters in Trento.
The Itas Mutua Baseball Softball Club Rovigo is clearly poised for an exciting 2026 season, building on a strong foundation of youth development, community engagement, and competitive success. The club’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation, exemplified by the Baseball 5 program and initiatives for athletes with disabilities, further solidifies its position as a leading force in Italian baseball and softball.
The softball team’s Serie A1 debut against Collecchio will be the first test of the season, and fans will be eager to see how the team performs after its historic promotion. The baseball team will glance to build on its previous successes and remain competitive in Serie A. The club’s continued focus on youth development promises a bright future for baseball and softball in Rovigo.
