World Baseball Classic: Team Italy Roster News, Notes, and Analysis

While the eyes of the world may be on Italy for the Winter Olympics over the next few days, a solid Team Italy roster is hoping to raise some eyebrows in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Italy has a history of surprising in the World Baseball Classic, shocking Canada with a 6-2 opening-round win in the 2009 WBC and keeping the Canadians from advancing in the process.

In 2013, Italy defeated Canada and Mexico in pool play to reach the second round before dropping out with consecutive losses to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

In 2023, Italy advanced again to the quarterfinals but was eliminated by eventual champion Japan.

This year, Italy faces another challenge in its early draw, being a part of Pool B centered in Houston that includes Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico, and the United States.

It can be argued that Italy will be an underdog when facing Mexico and the United States, while being a favorite against Brazil and Great Britain.

With the top two teams from each pool advancing to the quarterfinals, Team Italy will have to not only win the games it’s supposed to win, but also see if it can bring back some WBC magic from previous years to grab an upset over a pair of teams that should have a decided home-field advantage inside Daikin Park.

So how does the Italian roster shape up? Let’s dive into the details.

World Baseball Classic: Team Italy Roster

Position Players

With that, how could the Team Italy batting order shape up? Here’s a potential lineup.

1. Jakob Marsee (OF) – L/L
Speed and table-setter. Gets on base for the power hitters behind him.

The Miami Marlins center fielder brings speed and on-base skills. His ability to work counts, get on base, and create scoring opportunities makes Italy’s power hitters later in the lineup even more dangerous.

2. Miles Mastrobuoni (2B) – L/R
Contact hitter with versatility. Can move runners and has bat control.

The Seattle Mariners veteran offers professional at-bats and defensive versatility. He executes situational hitting, moves runners effectively and provides steady contact that sets up the power hitters behind him.

3. Vinnie Pasquantino (1B) – L/L
Best pure hitter on the team. Consistent contact with power. Proven MLB production.

Arguably the Kansas City Royals’ most reliable bat, Pasquantino brings consistent MLB production with power, elite plate discipline and clutch hitting ability. Opposing pitchers must attack him carefully or face serious consequences.

4. Jac Caglianone (DH) – L/L
Elite power threat. Former two-way star brings legitimate middle-of-order thump.

The former University of Florida two-way star turned Royals outfielder, Caglianone has elite raw power. His left-handed bat and ability to change games with one swing make him potentially Italy’s most dangerous weapon.

5. Dominic Canzone (OF) – L/R
Power/speed combo. MLB experience. Can drive in runs or manufacture them.

The Mariners outfielder combines power and speed with MLB experience. His ability to drive balls into gaps, steal bases and produce runs makes him a middle-of-the-order offensive threat.

6. Kyle Teel (C) – L/R
Former top prospect with a solid bat. Left-handed-hitting catcher adds depth.

The Chicago White Sox catcher brings left-handed power potential. His advanced hitting approach and ability to work counts can create matchup nightmares for opposing pitchers.

7. Andrew Fischer (3B) – L/R
First-round talent (2025 MLB draft, 20th overall pick). Power potential batting seventh gives lineup no breaks.

The Milwaukee Brewers’ 2025 first-round pick possesses legitimate power from the left side. Batting seventh gives opponents no relief. Yes, every spot in Italy’s lineup can hurt you.

8. Zach Dezenzo (OF) – R/R
Versatile power bat. Can play multiple positions. Late-order thump.

From the Houston Astros, Dezenzo provides versatility and unexpected power late in the order. His ability to play multiple positions and deliver clutch hits makes Italy’s bottom of the lineup as dangerous as the top.

9. Jon Berti (SS) – R/R
Can hit for contact. Turns lineup over back to Marsee.

Berti offers professional at-bats and strong fundamentals. His contact-oriented approach turns the lineup back over to Marsee while providing situational hitting when runners are on base.

On the surface, this lineup features no easy outs. Opponents face speed at the top, proven MLB power in the middle, as well as first-round talent at seventh and versatile veterans throughout.

Italy can manufacture runs with small ball or explode with home runs.

The left-handed heavy lineup creates platoon advantages while the bottom third ensures pitchers can’t relax. This is a dangerous, deep roster capable of beating any team in pool play.

Pitching Staff

A one-two punch of Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen gives Team Italy a chance against the other pool’s power-packed lineups.

Nola, coming off a season where he registered a 6.01 ERA and made just 17 starts because of injuries, will likely look at his WBC starts as a way to put last year in the rearview mirror and start 2026 strong.

Lorenzen recently signed a one-year deal with a team option for 2027 with the Colorado Rockies, inserting himself into the front of the rotation and will likely be an option to draw the Opening Day start on the road against the Miami Marlins.

The 34-year-old right-hander can eat innings and keep his team in the game, something that Italy will need if it hopes to advance.

Sam Aldegheri has seven appearances (five starts) for the Los Angeles Angels over the last two years, while Gabriele Quattrini has plenty of experience (46 starts, 60 games) in Italian Serie A1 over the past five seasons.

In the bullpen, the 40-year-old Adam Ottavino previously represented Italy in the 2009 WBC and dazzled with three scoreless innings against Venezuela. Now a seasoned veteran, Ottavino can provide steadiness whenever called upon, including late in the game.

Matt Festa pitched in 63 games for the Cleveland Guardians last season and also brings proven MLB late-inning experience. His ability to attack hitters with a plus fastball-slider combination makes him one of Italy’s most dependable high-leverage relievers.

Entering his second year with the San Diego Padres, Ron Marinaccio’s ability to get quick outs and strand inherited runners gives Italy multiple closing options depending on matchups.

Greg Weissert appeared in 72 games last season for the Boston Red Sox, posting a 2.82 ERA over 67.0 innings. He also tossed a scoreless inning in the 2025 AL Wild Card round against the New York Yankees, showing he can be an option when the lights are brightest.

Dan Altavilla has eight years of MLB experience and logged a 2.48 ERA in 29.0 innings last season with the Chicago White Sox.

Coaching and Administrative Staff

Cervelli played 13 MLB seasons split between four teams and played catcher for Team Italy in the 2009 and 2017 WBC installments. This is his first stint as Italy’s manager, taking over for Mike Piazza.

Yankees fans will certainly perk up at the mention of Dave Righetti (pitching coach) and Jorge Posada (assistant hitting coach) on the roster.

Both hold a special place with different generations of fans in the Bronx and both have ties to World Series wins, with Righetti serving as the pitching coach in San Francisco for three championships and Posada helping the Yankees win five titles as a player.

World Baseball Classic: Team Italy Schedule

Exhibition Games

Pool Play

Italy is part of Pool B, which will play at Daikin Park in Houston.

Knockout Rounds