Put on the espresso because Italy is coming! For the first time in tournament history, the azzurri are in the semifinals, its team of espresso-shot-taking, cheek-kissing home run hitters blasting its way to Miami.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Brayan Rocchio has gone from the humdrum pace of spring training to the fast lane of the World Baseball Classic. Rocchio, projected to be the Guardians’ Opening-Day second baseman, will join Team Italy in Miami for its WBC semifinal game against Venezuela on Monday night at LoanDepot Park.

Puerto Rico squares off with Italy in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Saturday in Houston.

With espresso shots, kisses on the cheek and Andrea Bocelli singalongs, Team Italy has charmed the baseball world. But their mission is more ambitious: Turn Italy into a bona fide baseball factory.

One side of the bracket features two heavyweights in the Dominican Republic and Team USA, star-studded squads that charted very different paths to the penultimate round. The D.R. steamrollered most of its five opponents, while the Americans have looked only on occasion like the powerhouse they are on paper.

Team USA suffered a massive 8-6 upset at the hands of Italy on Tuesday night, dampening their World Baseball Classic quarterfinal hopes.

Italy jumped out to a big lead and stopped a late Puerto Rico comeback for an 8-3 win to reach the WBC semifinals

Menechino’s assistant batting coach is former New York Yankees star catcher Jorge Posada. Team Italy is managed by ex-Staten Island Yankees and New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli. Team Italy will look to earn a spot in Tuesday’s WBC championship game when it meets Team Venezuela at 8 p.m. on Monday in Miami.

Team Italy's newfound 2026 World Baseball Classic success is sparking unprecedented interest across Italy during the tournament.

Italy's baseball team, led by pitcher Dylan DeLucia, celebrates its historic World Baseball Classic semifinal appearance with unique traditions and a diverse roster.