Team Italy Drops 4-3 Decision to Angels in Cactus League Tune-Up Ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic

TEMPE, Ariz. — Team Italy wrapped up its Cactus League schedule with a 4–3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday at Tempe Diablo Stadium as the club finalizes preparations for Pool B play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Houston.

Italy entered the game coming off a 9–4 win over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday at Sloan Park in Mesa, continuing a week of exhibition games before traveling to Daikin Park in Houston for the tournament.

Italy’s coaching staff features several New York Yankees alumni, including manager Francisco Cervelli, assistant hitting coach Jorge Posada, pitching coach Dave Righetti, bullpen coach Sal Fasano, and hitting coach Frank Menechino.

Lots of Yankees ties for Team Italy's staff 🇮🇹🤝

– Manager Francisco Cervelli
– Assistant Hitting Coach Jorge Posada
– Pitching Coach Dave Righetti
– Bullpen Coach Sal Fasano
– Hitting Coach Frank Menechino pic.twitter.com/gglevib64V

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 4, 2026

Berti, Pasquantino Provide Early Offense

Italy jumped ahead in the third inning when Jon Berti launched a two-run home run over the left-center field wall off Angels reliever Mitch Farris. The 405-foot drive scored Dante Nori and gave Italy a 2–0 lead.

Italy added another run shortly after when Vinnie Pasquantino drove an RBI double, again scoring Nori to extend the lead to 3–1.

Soler Sparks Angels Comeback

The Angels answered with power of their own when Jorge Soler blasted a solo home run over the left-field wall to trim the deficit to 3–2.

Los Angeles later rallied to take the lead and close out the 4–3 victory as Italy’s Cactus League slate came to an end.

Eyes Now Turn to Houston

Italy enters the 2026 World Baseball Classic ranked No. 14 in the WBSC World Rankings and is one of four European representatives in the tournament alongside Israel, Great Britain, and the Netherlands.

Manager Francisco Cervelli’s roster blends Major League veterans, minor league prospects, and Serie A1 talent as Italy prepares for a competitive Pool B group.

Kyle Teel Embracing Opportunity With Italy

Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel said the pitching staff and clubhouse chemistry have stood out during Italy’s exhibition games as the team prepares for the tournament.

“I feel good behind the plate,” Teel said. “The pitching staff looks really good and the focus is just attacking the strike zone. I’m really excited about the team we have. The clubhouse has great camaraderie and a great vibe, and I’m just grateful to be here.”

Teel said he was impressed with how Italy’s pitchers attacked hitters throughout the game.

“Not catching these guys before and then seeing what they can do was impressive,” Teel said. “Quattrini attacked the strike zone, threw his four-seam really well, and his off-speed was in the zone. He was missing bats and getting quick outs, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Teel also credited the coaching staff’s Major League experience as a key resource for the roster.

“I think this team is really excited about the coaching staff,” Teel said. “They’ve done it at the highest level, so I’m just trying to be a sponge every day and learn as much as I can from them.”

With Pool B featuring the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Great Britain, Teel said the World Baseball Classic continues to play an important role in growing the game internationally.

“This event is great for growing the game globally,” Teel said. “To all the fans in Italy, this means the world to us and we know it means the world to them. We’re going out there to represent Italy with pride, class, and toughness.”

2026 World Baseball Classic — Pool B

Venue: Daikin Park — Houston, Texas
Dates: March 6–11

March 6
Mexico vs. Great Britain — 1 p.m. EDT
United States vs. Brazil — 8 p.m. EDT

March 7
Brazil vs. Italy — 1 p.m. EDT
Great Britain vs. United States — 8 p.m. EDT

March 8
Great Britain vs. Italy — 1 p.m. EDT
Brazil vs. Mexico — 8 p.m. EDT

March 9
Brazil vs. Great Britain — 1 p.m. EDT
Mexico vs. United States — 8 p.m. EDT

March 10
Italy vs. United States — 9 p.m. EDT

March 11
Italy vs. Mexico — 7 p.m. EDT