HOUSTON, Texas — Team Italy opened its 2026 World Baseball Classic campaign in dominant fashion Saturday afternoon at Daikin Park, defeating Brazil 8–0 behind a stellar pitching performance from left-hander Sam Aldegheri.
The 24-year-old native of Verona, Italy, delivered one of the most impressive starts of the early tournament, throwing 4 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, and striking out eight batters while walking two.
Aldegheri, who pitches in the Los Angeles Angels organization, overwhelmed Brazil’s lineup with sharp command and swing-and-miss stuff, setting the tone early for a Team Italy staff that would combine for a four-hit shutout.
Italy’s bullpen followed Aldegheri’s lead and preserved the shutout. Relievers Joe Jacob, Sem Robberse Graceffo, and Claudio Scotti combined for the final 4 1/3 innings, striking out seven more Brazilian hitters and preventing any late rally.
Brazil was held scoreless despite entering the game with momentum from a competitive opener against the United States on Friday night.
Italy Breaks Through Late
While Aldegheri controlled the game on the mound, Italy’s offense took time to solve Brazil starter Enzo Sawayama, who held the Italians scoreless through the first four innings.
Italy finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Zach Dezenzo, playing in his home ballpark as a member of the Houston Astros organization, opened the scoring with an RBI single that brought Jon Berti home to give Italy a 1–0 lead.
Jon Berti having a great game, and scores the first run of the game as Dezenzo picks up the #teamitaly RBI pic.twitter.com/i0zIsuYIQs
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) March 7, 2026
Moments later, Jac Caglianone extended the advantage with an RBI double down the right-field line, deflecting off the glove of Brazil first baseman Dante Bichette Jr. to make it 2–0.
Caglianone singles for #teamitaly …Canzone scores, Dezenzo out at the plate…ONLY AT THE #WorldBaseballClassic2026 pic.twitter.com/ndIzYNFAa9
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) March 7, 2026
Nori and Canzone Power Italy Offense
Italy’s offense erupted in the late innings after being held scoreless through the first five frames by Brazil starter Enzo Sawayama.
In the seventh inning, Dante Nori launched a solo home run to right-center field, extending Italy’s lead to 3–0 and energizing the Italian supporters gathered along the first-base line at Daikin Park.
Shortly afterward, Dominic Canzone crushed a towering three-run homer into the second deck in right field, blowing the game open and giving Italy a commanding 6–0 advantage.
Nori struck again in the eighth inning, blasting his second home run of the game to right-center field.
At 21 years and 151 days old, Nori became one of the youngest players in World Baseball Classic history to record a multi-home run game. His performance came one day after Brazil’s Lucas Ramirez accomplished the same feat against the United States.
Canzone later added an RBI single in the eighth inning to cap Italy’s eight-run performance and finish with four RBIs on the afternoon.
Berti Sets the Table
Veteran infielder Jon Berti played a major role in Italy’s offensive breakthrough, finishing 3-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored.
The speedster consistently pressured Brazil’s defense, reaching base multiple times and scoring the game’s first run in the sixth inning when Zach Dezenzo delivered an RBI single.
Italy also received contributions from Kyle Teel, who collected two hits, and Vinnie Pasquantino, who drew two walks while playing strong defense at first base.
Pasquantino was particularly sharp defensively, stretching for several difficult throws on double-play attempts and even flipping baseballs to enthusiastic Italian fans seated along the first-base line after defensive plays.
Pitching Dominance Sets the Tone
Italy’s pitching staff was the story of the afternoon.
Starter Sam Aldegheri, the first Italian-born pitcher to reach Major League Baseball in nearly 80 years, delivered a dominant performance in his first appearance wearing Italy’s national uniform. The left-hander struck out eight batters over 4 2/3 innings, allowing just one hit while walking two.
The bullpen continued the momentum. Joe Jacob, Graceffo, and Claudio Scotti combined to close out the game as Italy’s pitching staff finished with 15 total strikeouts and allowed only four hits in the shutout victory.
Statement Victory for Italy
The win moves Italy to 1–0 in Pool B, joining early favorites the United States and Mexico with victories to begin tournament play.
Brazil falls to 0–2 after losing 15–5 to Team USA on Friday night.
The dominant performance also gives Italy an early advantage in run differential, an important factor in World Baseball Classic pool play if teams finish with identical records.
Italy entered the tournament ranked No. 14 in the WBSC World Rankings, while Brazil entered ranked No. 22.
Cervelli’s Vision for Italy
Manager Francisco Cervelli, who took over the Italian national team ahead of the 2026 tournament, has emphasized his goal of elevating Italy’s presence in international baseball.
Cervelli’s first managerial appearance on the international stage came during the 2025 European Baseball Championship, where Italy reached the gold medal game before falling to the Netherlands 6–5.
Much of Italy’s roster was assembled during training camp in South Florida and includes a blend of Major League players, prospects in MLB organizations, professional free agents, and players competing in Italy’s Serie A1 league.
Saturday’s performance marked a strong opening step toward Cervelli’s vision of putting Italy firmly on the global baseball map.
2026 World Baseball Classic — Pool B Schedule
Venue: Daikin Park — Houston, Texas
March 7
Brazil vs. Italy — 1 p.m. ET
Great Britain vs. United States — 8 p.m. ET
March 8
Great Britain vs. Italy — 1 p.m. ET
Brazil vs. Mexico — 8 p.m. ET
March 9
Brazil vs. Great Britain — 1 p.m. ET
Mexico vs. United States — 8 p.m. ET
March 10
Italy vs. United States — 9 p.m. ET
March 11
Italy vs. Mexico — 7 p.m. ET
