Italy advances to the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic for the first time, remaining undefeated at 5-0. Venezuela returns to the semifinals since 2009 with a 4-1 record. The matchup is set for Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET at loanDepot park.
Italy has reached the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic for the first time in tournament history, entering the game with a perfect 5-0 record. The team upset the United States and two-time runners-up Puerto Rico, both by 8-6 scores. Italy ranks second in home runs behind the Dominican Republic, led by Vinnie Pasquantino's three against Mexico and Dante Nori's two. The lineup boasts a .982 team OPS, though starters Aaron Nola and Samuel Aldegheri will not pitch in this contest. After the Dominican Republic's semifinal loss to the USA, Italy is the only undefeated team remaining. Coverage from major Italian newspapers and politicians has highlighted the team's success, a step up from winning just four games combined in 2013 and 2023 tournaments beyond the group stage. Probable starters are Michael Lorenzen for Italy and Keider Montero for Venezuela. Venezuela, 4-1 in the tournament, suffered its only loss to the Dominican Republic. The team notched victories over the Netherlands, Israel, Nicaragua, and defending champions Japan in the quarterfinals upset, where shortstop Ezequiel Tovar excelled. Stars include Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia, and Luis Arraez. Enmanuel De Jesus impressed after time in the KBO. This marks Venezuela's deepest run since 2009 and second straight strong international showing under manager Omar López, following fourth place in the 2024 Premier12. Historically, Venezuela dominated Italy, winning all three meetings from 2006 and 2009 by a combined 23-1. In 2017, they split two close games, including an 11-10 win with Salvador Perez's two-run homer and Martin Prado's extra-inning RBI double, and a tiebreaker comeback capped by Miguel Cabrera's tying homer. The game airs on FS1 in the US, with free English audio streams available. A win advances to the championship on Tuesday.
