Italy's baseball team concludes its World Baseball Classic journey with a semifinal loss, but leaves a lasting impact on the sport's future in the country.

MIAMI – Team Italy has heard the jabs. They understand that people look at them not as an Italian ballclub, but a group of guys from America masquerading as an Italian team. But this team doesn’t care.

Venezuela outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. made a critical single in their semifinals match against Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

Italy leads Venezuela in the seventh inning of their World Baseball Classic semifinal, with both teams aiming to reach a first WBC championship game. Italy took a 2-0 lead after J.J. D’Orazio was walked with the bases loaded and Dante Nori added an RBI groundout,

J.J. D’Orazio doubled with three RBIs and Andrew Fischer drove in two runs as Italy kept up its charmed World Baseball Classic run with an 8-6 win over Puerto Rico on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) to earn its first trip to the semifinals.

The World Baseball Classic is down to its final four with two pre-tournament favorites and two less-expected teams in the mix... including one immense long shot. Team USA will face off with the Dominican Republic in the first WBC semifinal,

Reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes is expected to start the semifinal for Team USA coming off a dazzling performance in his WBC debut. From NFL plays to college sports scores

Aaron Nola threw five scoreless innings against Team Mexico during pool play. Kenneth Richmond / The Athletic has live coverage of Venezuela vs. Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinals. MIAMI — Following Team USA’s narrow semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic,