Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Italy’s improbable run in the 2026 World Baseball Classic has come to an end after a 4-2 semifinal loss to Venezuela. Despite the defeat, the Azzurri squad made a lasting impact by stunning opponents, drawing large TV audiences in Italy, and providing an exciting foundation for the future growth of baseball in the soccer-crazed country.
Why it matters
Italy’s surprising success in the World Baseball Classic has shone a spotlight on baseball’s potential to gain popularity in a nation where the sport has traditionally lagged behind soccer. The team’s spirited performances and celebrations have captivated fans, raising hopes that the tournament can help spur increased interest and participation in the sport within Italy.
The details
Italy reached its first-ever WBC semifinal by starting the tournament 5-0, including an 8-6 upset win over the United States. In Monday’s semifinal, Italy blew a 2-1 seventh-inning lead, allowing three consecutive run-scoring singles to Venezuela’s Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia, and Luis Arraez. Despite the defeat, Italy players remained on the dugout railing for 10 minutes after the final out, waving to the pro-Venezuela crowd and their own Italian fans.
Italy’s remarkable 2026 World Baseball Classic run began in the pool play stage.The Azzurri reached their first-ever WBC semifinal on Monday, March 17, 2026.Italy’s semifinal loss to Venezuela occurred on the night of Monday, March 17, 2026.
The manager of the Italian national baseball team.
The center fielder for the Italian national baseball team, who is entering his second season with the Miami Marlins.
The captain of the Italian national baseball team.
A Venezuelan baseball player who drove in the go-ahead runs for Venezuela in the semifinal against Italy.
The Italian pitcher who allowed the three consecutive run-scoring singles in the seventh inning that gave Venezuela the lead.
What they’re saying
“We are no longer the Cinderella. In three years they are going to take us seriously. We have a group of young players that are going to participate in the next classic. What they experienced today, they are going to take it away for the rest of their lives.”
— Francisco Cervelli, Italy Manager
“To play in front of all these crowds and just how loud they were in these games, no one thought we could win, and being able to do it with all the guys was a lot of fun.”
— Jakob Marsee, Italy Center Fielder
“We just wanted to make sure we waved and thanked, one, the Venezuelan fans who were here tonight, and the Italian fans that were here, because that atmosphere was incredible.”
— Vinnie Pasquantino, Italy Captain
“We were told that … 7 million people watched this game tonight in Italy. That’s incredible. That’s why we’re doing this tournament, in my opinion. To have that sort of impact once every few years is incredible. And the goal of this team — we’ve talked about it a lot — is to impact Italy, and we have.”
— Vinnie Pasquantino, Italy Captain
“Going forward this season, all I want to do is bring this back to Miami and be able to do this in October.”
— Jakob Marsee, Italy Center Fielder
What’s next
The expectation is that Italy’s young roster, made up of only a handful of major leaguers and many players from the minors, will be back and more experienced in future World Baseball Classics. The team hopes to continue growing the sport’s popularity in Italy in the years to come.
Italy’s improbable run in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, despite falling short in the semifinals, has left a lasting impact by captivating fans, drawing record TV audiences in Italy, and providing an exciting foundation for the future growth of baseball in the soccer-crazed country.