Italy Brings Back Dugout Espresso Machine for 2026 World Baseball Classic

Team Italy celebrates home runs with shots of espresso during tournament play.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Italy's baseball team has brought back its popular dugout espresso machine for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. After hitting home runs, Italian players are celebrating by taking shots of espresso provided by a teammate. The unique tradition started at the 2023 WBC when Italy advanced out of group play for just the second time in team history.

Why it matters

Italy's espresso celebration has become a fan favorite at the World Baseball Classic, showcasing the country's coffee culture and providing a fun, quirky tradition that sets the Italian team apart. The espresso shots have also become an integral part of the team's success, helping fuel their performance on the field.

The details

During Italy's 8-0 victory over Brazil to open the 2026 WBC, Dante Nori hit two home runs and was promptly handed espresso shots by teammate Vinnie Pasquantino after each blast. Pasquantino was kept busy, also serving up espresso to Dominic Canzone following his three-run homer. While Nori admitted the espresso didn't taste great at first, he said he grew to like it more on the second shot.

  • Italy brought back its dugout espresso machine for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
  • The espresso celebration tradition started at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Francisco Cervelli

The manager of the Italian national baseball team who said "Coffee is a way of living" while pouring himself a cup of espresso before a game.

Dante Nori

An Italian baseball player who hit two home runs in a game against Brazil and celebrated by taking shots of espresso provided by a teammate.

Vinnie Pasquantino

An Italian baseball player who was responsible for hand-delivering espresso shots to his teammates after they hit home runs.

Dominic Canzone

An Italian baseball player who hit a three-run home run and received an espresso shot from Vinnie Pasquantino in celebration.

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What they’re saying

“Coffee is a way of living. It's not just a drink, OK?”

— Francisco Cervelli, Manager, Italian national baseball team (mlb.com)

“Yeah, Vinnie is the one that came up with it. I do not like coffee, so it did not taste great. The first one, especially, I was like, ugh, but the second one, kind of liked that one a little bit more.”

— Dante Nori, Italian baseball player (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Italian team will look to continue its espresso-fueled success as it advances through the 2026 World Baseball Classic tournament.

The takeaway

Italy's dugout espresso machine has become a beloved tradition at the World Baseball Classic, showcasing the country's coffee culture and providing a unique way for players to celebrate their success on the field. The espresso shots have become an integral part of the team's identity and performance, helping fuel their run in the tournament.