From MLB Stars to Italian Roots: Team Italy’s WBC Storylines to Watch

As Italy prepares to open the 2026 World Baseball Classic against Brazil on Saturday, March 7, here are some interesting notes, storylines, and connections surrounding the Azzurri.

MLB Presence
With 21 players tied to MLB or Minor League organizations, Italy has the fourth-most affiliated players in the entire tournament. Only the United States (30), Dominican Republic (29), and Venezuela (25) have more.

Aaron Nola Joins the Azzurri
Philadelphia Phillies All-Star right-hander Aaron Nola will appear in his first World Baseball Classic, joining a Team Italy roster that also features rising Kansas City stars Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone. Nola pitched at LSU under Paul Mainieri, now the head coach at South Carolina, who was honored two years ago with the Italian American Baseball Foundation Collegiate Award.

The Jac Caglianone Connection
Caglianone has strong ties to the Italian American Baseball Foundation. “Cags” serves as an official ambassador for the organization and previously received the IABF Future Star Award. His father, Jeff, was also part of the program, serving as an instructor at the IABF Italian Tour in 2025. During that trip, he worked with players at the Cervelli-IABF Academy in Tuscany and helped lead clinics in Parma and Bologna.

Underdog Status
Entering the tournament, Italy opened around +8000 odds to win the WBC, placing them in the middle tier of contenders behind favorites such as the United States, Japan, and the Dominican Republic. Still, many insiders view Italy as a dangerous underdog, particularly if its pitching staff can neutralize the powerful lineups in its pool.

Quietly Competitive on the World Stage
Italy has consistently punched above its weight in the WBC. Its best finished were in 2013 – Advanced to the second round after beating Mexico and Canada in pool play and 2023 – Reached the quarterfinals and finished eighth overall

A Symbol in Sam Aldegheri
Left-hander Sam Aldegheri represents a milestone moment for Italian baseball. He became the first pitcher born and developed in Italy to reach Major League Baseball, a powerful symbol of the growth of the country’s domestic development pipeline. In many ways, his presence echoes the pride once felt when Alex Liddi became the first Italian-born position player to reach the majors. Aldegheri will get the opening game start for Italy, making it even more of a proud and special moment for the entire country.

Veteran Leadership from Ottavino
Team Italy reliever Adam Ottavino, age 40, is among the five oldest players in the tournament. Others include Cuba infielder Alexei Ramírez (44), Korea pitcher Kyung-Eun Noh (41), Brazil pitcher Tiago Da Silva (40), and Czechia pitcher Martin Schneider (40).

More Power in the Italian Lineup
Expect more offensive punch from the Azzurri in 2026. The nine big leaguers on Italy’s roster combined for a 43 percent hard-hit rate in MLB last season. That does not even include third baseman Andrew Fischer, Milwaukee’s first-round pick in 2025, who slugged .760 at Tennessee and is considered one of the top third base prospects in the game. Fischer has said he models his left-handed swing after Bryce Harper.

Italy may not match the raw power of lineups like the United States or Dominican Republic, but this group has the potential to produce far more impact at the plate than previous Italian squads.

Posada on the Impact of the WBC
Former Yankees star Jorge Posada, a close teammate of Italian manager Francisco Cervelli during their New York days, spoke about the tournament’s importance during WBC press conferences.

“There’s nothing better than winning,” Posada said. “For Team Italy, it’s going to help younger generations of Italian kids. It’s going to help baseball grow in Italy. This is important not only for the guys playing for Team Italy, but for the whole country.”

Cervelli’s Vision
Manager Francisco Cervelli has fully embraced the role of growing the Italian national program. Over the past year he has traveled extensively throughout Italy, visiting fields, meeting young players, and working with coaches. His philosophy centers on visibility and inspiration, showing young athletes that the national team is something they can aspire to.

Did You Know?
During the 2013 World Baseball Classic, Italy opened the tournament with one of the most memorable pitching performances in its history. The Azzurri threw a combined no-hitter against Canada through seven innings, allowing their first hit in the eighth during what became one of the defining games of Italy’s best WBC run.

Chris R. Vaccaro is senior editorial advisor of World Baseball Network and the U.S. press officer for the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball.

: Corrado Benedetti – Duck Photo Press per FIBS