The Italian Baseball and Softball Federation has announced that the national baseball team, known as the ‘Azzurri’, will engage in six warm-up games as part of their preparation for the WBSC Premier12 2027 Barcelona Qualifier. The team is set to travel to Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, to utilize the New York Mets Performance Centre and Development Facility.
Preparation Games Scheduled
The Italian delegation is scheduled to arrive in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, September 20, with training planned from September 21 to 25. Following the training period, the Azzurri will compete against teams from the Dominican Professional Winter League, known as LIDOM. Their match schedule includes facing the Estrellas Orientales on September 26, the Toros del Este on September 29 and again on October 2, the Escogido Leones on September 30 and again on October 3, and the Licey Tigres on October 1.
Marco Mazzieri, the President of the Italian Baseball and Softball Federation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to face high-caliber competition. “We wanted the team to face high-level competition,” he stated, acknowledging the cooperation from LIDOM leadership.
Italy’s manager, Francisco Cervelli, has announced a roster comprising 28 players, which includes 13 pitchers, four catchers, four infielders, four outfielders, and three utility players. Notable pitchers on the roster include Luca Di Raffaele and Ettore Giulianelli, while the catchers feature players such as Alberto Mineo and Giaconino Lasaracina. The roster will see additional players from Parma joining the team after the BCL Europe Final Four.
Cervelli’s coaching staff comprises bench coach Allard Baird and pitching coach Alessandro Maestri, among others, who will assist in preparing the team for the upcoming matches.
The WBSC Premier12 2027 Barcelona Qualifier will serve as the starting point for qualification for an expanded tournament comprised of 16 teams. Scheduled to take place in Spain, the event will feature a round-robin format with World No. 26 Spain, No. 13 Colombia, No. 14 Italy, and No. 17 Germany participating. The top two teams in the qualifier will earn a spot in the Premier12 event.
Following the Barcelona Qualifier, a second qualifier is set to occur from November 26 to 28 in Zhongshan, China.
Why It Matters
This initiative reflects Italy’s efforts to elevate its baseball program by competing against some of the best talent in the Dominican Republic, which is known for its rich baseball tradition. These preparation games could prove crucial in establishing the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead in the prestigious WBSC Premier12 2027 tournament.
