Italy: World Baseball Classic 2026 Preview -

Despite a strong domestic league, it is the influx of Americans with Italian heritage that has elevated the Azzurri from plucky European pool-fillers to genuine semi-final contenders.

With starters of the calibre of Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen, Italy is sending its strongest-ever rotation to Houston – but it’s the youth movement that should have neutrals leaning in.

Jakob Marsee (24) received Rookie of the Year votes. Kyle Teel (23) posted a 121 OPS+ from behind the plate for the White Sox. Zach Dezenzo (25) is tipped by MLB.com as the Astros’ 2026 breakout candidate. Thomas Saggese (23) absolutely raked in the minors, launching 46 homers across all levels in 2023–24. And Andrew Fisher (21) arrives in Houston as the Brewers’ 2025 first-round pick.

Then, of course, there’s Jac Caglianone. He began 2025 as one of the Rookie of the Year favourites, but a nagging hamstring injury, some understandable growing pains at the major-league level, and a brutal slice of bad luck* prevented us from seeing his best. Perhaps the WBC will be the stage on which he announces himself.

*Caglianone’s .239 wOBA contrasted sharply with a .321 expected wOBA – the gap led all of MLB.

World Baseball Classic: Pool B

Brazil
Great Britain
Italy
Mexico
USA

ITALY

WBC best results: Made it to the quarter finals a couple of times
Current world ranking: 14
Manager: Francisco Cervelli

The former Yankees and Pirates star is assisted by another famous catcher, Jorge Posada. One born in Venezuela, the other in Puerto Rico, yet both extra-proud of their Italian heritage for a few weeks in March.

Cervelli took charge of Team Italy during the 2025 European Championship in Rotterdam – I wrote a few words about it – and despite having to progress from a qualifier group, he guided Italy to the silver medal.

What happened at the last WBC?

It was a World Baseball Classic of hits, heroics, and, eventually, heartbreak, as Italy opened with a surprise win over eventual semi-finalists Cuba. They were shut out by Panama before being dismantled by Taiwan, whose hitters scored in six of the eight innings.

It all came down to a clash of the European heavyweights in the final pool game: Netherlands 1–7 Italy. The result created the extraordinary scenario of all five teams finishing 2–2… cue the tie-breakers.

Despite Italy having beaten Cuba – head-to-head record being the first criterion – the Azzurri were placed second once results against the other teams and runs allowed were factored in.

Cuba landed a plum quarter-final against Australia, while Italy braced for the juggernaut from Japan.

In the fourth inning, new Blue Jays signing Kazuma Okamoto launched a three-run homer that scored Shohei Ohtani and another MLB newbie, Munetaka Murakami. Italy never recovered and exited with their pride intact against the eventual champions.

Italy: Three to watch

Vinnie Pasquantino: Fresh off a 32-homer, 113-RBI season, the Royals’ first baseman is the name on Italy’s lineup card that opponents fear. After going 4-for-20 at the last WBC, the 28-year-old will be eager to leave a stronger mark this time. Expect mistakes to leave the yard in a hurry.

Aaron Nola: With five 200+ strikeout seasons to his name, the Phillies’ ace brings a level of mound dominance Italy has rarely been able to call upon. Injuries disrupted the 32-year-old’s 2025 campaign, but it ended on a high note – a nine-strikeout, one-run dismantling of Minnesota.

Sam Aldegheri: The first Italian-born-and-bred player to reach the majors, Aldegheri has made five starts for the Angels and will be pushing for an extended look in the rotation this season. Still just 24, the left-hander replaces his older brother Mattia on the roster, one of Italy’s standout performers at the European Championships.

Potential X-factor

Giaconino Lasaracina: What a player! Baseball Reference lists him as a “Third Baseman, Catcher, and Relief Pitcher”, but fans at the European Championship saw something closer to an Aaron Judge-like demolisher. Think that is pushing it? He hit six homers in seven games and finished with a 1.701 OPS.

The 23-year-old plays for Settimo (Turn) in Italy’s Serie A, where he posted a 1.086 OPS last year. Bizarrely, that came with just four home runs in 30 games – making his Euros explosion even more intriguing.

It’s not a bold prediction that Lascarina will attract MLB interest before the end of March.

Verdict

Italy no longer arrive at the World Baseball Classic hoping to keep games respectable – they arrive expecting to win them. This is the deepest roster they have ever assembled, blending proven big-league pitching with a wave of young talent that gives the Azzurri genuine upside.

I suspect that pride in representing their country falls way below that of the Latin or East Asian countries, but what the team lacks in Azzure blood flowing through their veins, they make up with youthful exuberance and unquestionable talent.

Mark your calendars: Italy vs. Mexico on Wednesday, 11 March. If the USA tops the group, this final Pool B clash could decide which team joins them in the knockout stage.

Featured image of Team Italy celebrating at the 2025 European Championship by @honkbalsoftbalnl

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