Italy, Team USA and World Baseball
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2026 World Baseball Classic elimination rounds
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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.
HOUSTON — J.J. D’Orazio doubled with three RBIs and Andrew Fischer drove in two runs as Italy kept up its charmed World Baseball Classic run with an 8-6 win over Puerto Rico on Saturday to earn its first trip to the semifinals.
The surprising loss by the United States to Italy in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday night means that the Americans need help to advance to the quarterfinals.
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.
Team Italy's newfound 2026 World Baseball Classic success is sparking unprecedented interest across Italy during the tournament.