Italy’s improbable World Baseball Classic run ends, but Azzurri leave lasting impact at home

MIAMI (AP) — Francisco Cervelli believes Italy won't be sneaking up on opponents in three years at the next World Baseball Classic. “We are no longer the Cinderella,” the Italy manager said after the Azzurri were eliminated with a 4-2 semifinal loss to Venezuela on Monday night.

Acuna sparks Venezuela’s rally past Italy and into World Baseball Classic final

Acuna logged the first of three consecutive two-out RBI singles to give Venezuela a lead it wouldn’t relinquish in a 4-2 win over Italy.
Major League Baseball

Run to Classic semifinals has huge impact across Italy

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.