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Inside Italy’s baseball team: A complete roster and more about 2026 World Baseball Classic team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After trip to the quarterfinals in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Italy is hoping for a deeper run in the 2026 event.

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With manager Francisco Cervelli, a former MLB catcher, leading the way, Team Italy comes into the 2026 WBC with a solid group of players that could make some noise — including some recognizable active MLB players.

The Italians will be in the same pool group as the United States, giving them an opportunity to upset the tournament’s favorite in the opening stage.

Here’s a guide to Italy’s 2026 World Baseball Classic team, from its roster to schedule.

MORE: Full 2026 WBC rosters for every team

Italy World Baseball Classic 2026 roster

Italy’s WBC team is headlined by Kansas City Royals slugger Vinnie Pasquantino and Philadelphia Phillies starter Aaron Nola.

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Pitchers

Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders

Italy World Baseball Classic players to watch

Italy has a luxury that some other WBC teams do not: proven MLB talent to headline its lineup and pitching rotation.

The biggest name in the Italians’ lineup is Vinnie Pasquantino, the left-handed slugger of the Kansas City Royals who competed for the country in the 2023 WBC and posted some big numbers in the 2025 MLB season, totaling 32 home runs and 113 RBIs. Pascquantino’s presence should help open some things up for Italy, as he’ll be one of the biggest power threats in the entire event.

Elsewhere offensively, Italy has a collection of MLB or MiLB-level talent. Kyle Teel of the White Sox appeared in 78 games last season, hitting .273 with 35 RBIs, while outfielders Jac Caglianone (seven HRs in 2025) and Dominic Canzone (11 HRs in 2025) are two more solid power threats.

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Italy also has a fairly big name that it could potentially deploy to pitch against a star-studded United States lineup: Aaron Nola. The most proven pitcher on the team’s roster, Nola is an 11-year MLB starter for the Philadelphia Phillies who owns a 3.83 career ERA, one All-Star selection and 11 postseason starts, although he’s coming off a lackluster 2025 season. If Nola is at his best, he’s the kind of arm who can provide six or seven rock-solid innings for Italy against any other team in the event.

Rockies starter Michael Lorenzen is another veteran MLB pitcher who could get the ball in a big game, with 119 big-league starts to his name and one All-Star selection. Other notable arms include Guardians reliever Matt Festa and free-agent Adam Ottavino, a 39-year-old reliever with 15 years of MLB experience.

MORE: The nine worst renditions of ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame.’

Who is coaching Italy in the World Baseball Classic?

Italy is managed by former MLB catcher Francisco Cervelli, who became the national team’s coach in January 2025, replacing Mike Piazza. Cervelli competed for Italy at the 2009 and 2017 World Baseball Classic tournaments; he spent 13 years in MLB from 2008-20, winning the 2009 World Series with the New York Yankees and also spending time with the Pirates, Braves and Marlins.

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A few more notable names on Italy’s coaching staff include former five-time MLB All-Star Jorge Posada, who is an assistant hitting coach and former two-time MLB All-Star Dave Righetti as a pitching coach.

Italy World Baseball Classic history

The furthest Italy has made it in the World Baseball Classic is the second round, which has happened twice — including the most recent 2023 tournament. In 2013, the Italians reached the second round thanks to two pool-play wins, beating Mexico and Canada. In 2023, Italy eventually fell to Japan in the quarterfinals after emerging from pool play.

Here’s a look at Italy’s history in the WBC:

Team Italy baseball World Baseball Classic 2026 schedule

In Pool B, Italy is set to face Brazil, Great Britain, the United States and Mexico in its path to a potential knockout-round berth.

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Here’s a look at Italy’s schedule at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.