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Italy arrives at the 2026 World Baseball Classic with momentum and ambition. After reaching the 2023 quarterfinals, Team Italy blends established MLB talent with rising prospects. Manager Francisco Cervelli and a veteran coaching staff aim to turn potential into deeper tournament success.
Italy’s 2026 WBC roster: full lineup and pitching staff
The roster mixes big-league veterans and promising minor-leaguers. Below is a clear breakdown of players Italy will rely on in Pool B of the 2026 WBC.
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Pitching corps (starters and relievers)
| Name | MLB Organization | Throws |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Aldegheri | Angels | L |
| Dan Altavilla | Twins | R |
| Dylan DeLucia | Guardians (AA) | R |
| Alessandro Ercolani | Pirates (AA) | R |
| Matt Festa | Guardians | R |
| Gordon Graceffo | Cardinals | R |
| Alek Jacob | Padres | R |
| Joe La Sorsa | Pirates | L |
| Michael Lorenzen | Rockies | R |
| Ron Marinaccio | Padres | R |
| Kyle Nicolas | Pirates | R |
| Aaron Nola | Phillies | R |
| Adam Ottavino | Free agent | R |
| Gabriele Quattrini | — | R |
| Greg Weissert | Red Sox | R |
Catchers named to the squad
| Name | Organization | Bats / Throws |
|---|---|---|
| Alberto Mineo | — | L / R |
| Kyle Teel | White Sox | L / R |
Infielders shaping the lineup
| Name | Organization | Bats / Throws |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Antonacci | White Sox (AA) | L / R |
| Jon Berti | — | R / R |
| Zach Dezenzo | Astros | R / R |
| Andrew Fischer | Brewers (A+) | L / R |
| Giaconino Lasaracina | — | R / R |
| Miles Mastrobuoni | Mariners | L / R |
| Vinnie Pasquantino | Royals | L / L |
| Thomas Saggese | Cardinals | R / R |
Outfield options and depth
| Name | Organization | Bats / Throws |
|---|---|---|
| Jac Caglianone | Royals | L / L |
| Dominic Canzone | Mariners | L / R |
| Jakob Marsee | Marlins | L / L |
| Nick Morabito | Mets (AA) | R / R |
| Dante Nori | Phillies (AA) | L / L |
Players to watch for Italy at the 2026 WBC
Italy pairs established sluggers and dependable arms to try to surprise stronger nations. These names should draw the most attention.
- Vinnie Pasquantino — A left-handed power bat for the Kansas City Royals. He brings home-run threat and run production.
- Aaron Nola — The Phillies veteran starter can give Italy length and quality innings when at his best.
- Michael Lorenzen — A multi-role pitcher who has started and relieved in big-league games. Experienced and competitive.
- Kyle Teel — A young catcher who logged major league games and can steady the lineup.
- Jac Caglianone & Dominic Canzone — Outfielders with pop who can change games with one swing.
- Adam Ottavino — A veteran reliever who adds late-inning depth and big-game experience.
Coaching staff and veteran leadership guiding Team Italy
Francisco Cervelli manages the national team. He took the helm in January 2025 after a long MLB career.
- Cervelli played 13 seasons in the majors and represented Italy in prior WBCs.
- Jorge Posada joins as an assistant hitting coach. His All-Star pedigree helps recruit and develop hitters.
- Dave Righetti serves as pitching coach. He brings proven experience handling staffs at the highest level.
That blend of former big leaguers on the bench and current pros on the field aims to give Italy tactical savvy and calm under pressure.
Italy’s record at the World Baseball Classic and past highlights
Italy has shown it can upset higher-ranked teams. The squad’s best runs reached the tournament’s second round and quarterfinal stages.
| Year | Furthest Stage | Notable final game |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | First round | Lost to Dominican Republic, 8-3 |
| 2009 | First round | Lost to Venezuela, 10-1 |
| 2013 | Second round | Knocked out by Puerto Rico, 4-3 |
| 2017 | First round | Lost to Venezuela, 4-3 |
| 2023 | Quarterfinals | Eliminated by Japan, 9-3 |
Italy’s 2023 run is the program’s most recent milestone. The team defeated higher-ranked opponents to reach the knockout stage.
Pool B opponents and Team Italy’s 2026 World Baseball Classic schedule
Italy competes in Pool B alongside the United States, Mexico, Great Britain and Brazil. The draw sets up early, high-stakes matchups.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 7 | Brazil vs. Italy | 1 p.m. | Fox App |
| March 8 | Great Britain vs. Italy | 1 p.m. | Tubi |
| March 10 | Italy vs. United States | 9 p.m. | FS1 |
| March 11 | Italy vs. Mexico | 7 p.m. | Tubi |
The matchup with the United States on March 10 is the group’s highest-profile test. Italy can use its mix of MLB veterans and depth pitching to try to pull an upset.
