Team Italy Celebrates Home Runs With Espresso Shots at WBC

The caffeine-fueled tradition aims to give Italy an edge in the international tournament.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Team Italy is bringing a unique celebratory tradition to the 2026 World Baseball Classic: an espresso shot for every player who hits a home run. The team has a machine set up right in the dugout, making it effortless for players to quickly refuel after sending a ball over the fence. This espresso tradition is rooted in Italian culture, where drinking coffee multiple times a day is common.

Why it matters

The incorporation of cultural traditions like this can foster team cohesion and a sense of national pride, potentially contributing to improved performance in a high-stakes international competition. So far, the caffeine-fueled celebrations seem to be working, as Italy is 2-0 in Pool B of the tournament.

The details

Team Italy had a Nespresso machine in the dugout during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and they've brought the tradition back for the 2026 tournament. Manager Francisco Cervelli explained that in Italy, drinking coffee throughout the day is a common practice. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals appears to be in charge of the espresso celebrations, giving players who hit home runs a kiss on both cheeks—a traditional Italian sign of affection.

  • Team Italy had a Nespresso machine in the dugout during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
  • As of Sunday, March 8, 2026, Italy is 2-0 in Pool B of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
  • Italy's next game is scheduled for Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET against Team USA.

The players

Francisco Cervelli

The manager of Team Italy.

Vinnie Pasquantino

A first baseman for the Kansas City Royals who appears to be in charge of the espresso celebrations for Team Italy.

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What they’re saying

“In Italy, we drink coffee about 20 times a day. It's a tradition. You're walking down the road. You see a coffee spot, get some coffee. Then you chitchat, and then retain walking and do the same thing all over and over again. That's how Italy is.”

— Francisco Cervelli, Manager of Team Italy (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Italy's next game is scheduled for Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET against Team USA.

The takeaway

This unique espresso celebration tradition highlights how incorporating cultural elements can foster team unity and potentially contribute to success in high-stakes international sports competitions. As Italy continues its strong start in the World Baseball Classic, the caffeine-fueled celebrations may give them an edge over their opponents.