Italy Looks to Stay Atop Pool B Against Great Britain

Italy aims to keep pace with the U.S. in World Baseball Classic pool play

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Team Italy will look to maintain its strong start in the 2026 World Baseball Classic when it faces Great Britain on Sunday in Houston. Italy is coming off a dominant win over Brazil in its opener, while Great Britain is still seeking its first victory after losses to Mexico and the United States. Italy manager Francisco Cervelli is focused solely on the matchup with Great Britain, not looking ahead to potential showdowns with the U.S. and Mexico. Some of Italy's top hitters like Vinnie Pasquantino have yet to get going, but Dante Nori and Dominic Canzone provided a power boost in the win over Brazil.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for Italy's chances of advancing out of Pool B and into the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. A win over Great Britain would put Italy in prime position to potentially earn a spot in the Miami quarterfinals by taking down one of the pool favorites, the United States or Mexico, in the final two games.

The details

Italy will send right-hander Dylan DeLucia to the mound, while Great Britain counters with righty Owen Wild. The Italians are looking to build on their 8-0 shutout of Brazil in their opener, while Great Britain is still searching for its first win after losses to Mexico and the U.S. Italy captain Vinnie Pasquantino and other big bats have yet to get going, but Dante Nori and Dominic Canzone provided a power boost with three combined home runs against Brazil.

  • The game is scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT.
  • Italy opened the 2026 World Baseball Classic with an 8-0 win over Brazil on March 8.

The players

Francisco Cervelli

The manager of the Italian national baseball team.

Vinnie Pasquantino

The team captain and a key hitter for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

Dante Nori

An Italian outfielder who hit two home runs in the team's win over Brazil.

Dominic Canzone

An Italian outfielder who also homered in the victory against Brazil.

Owen Wild

The starting pitcher for Great Britain in this matchup against Italy.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thinking about tomorrow. Tomorrow's opponent, [Great Britain], is a tremendous opponent. They played really hard against Mexico. So we're taking things day by day. And we cannot be thinking about another team in four days if we have one tomorrow.”

— Francisco Cervelli, Italy Manager (mlb.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

What’s next

If Italy can defeat Great Britain, it will enter its final two pool play games against the United States and Mexico with a 2-0 record, putting the Italians in prime position to advance to the quarterfinals in Miami.

The takeaway

This matchup between Italy and Great Britain is a crucial one for Italy's hopes of advancing deep into the 2026 World Baseball Classic. A win would set the Italians up nicely to potentially earn a spot in the quarterfinals by taking down one of the pool favorites, the United States or Mexico, in their final two games.