After winning by forfeit 7-0 against Uganda the day prior, Team Italy defeated Brazil 3-0 on Saturday, October 28, 2023 and placed eighth at the U15 Softball World Cup in Tokyo, Japan. Against the South Americans on the Komazawa Olympic Park Sports Complex diamond, Team Italy manager Maristella Perizzolo put together a revised lineup that looked like this: Caterina Turci (3B), Giulia Calzolari (2B), Alida Campioni (SS), Letizia Giunchi (CF), Rebecca Soldi (1B), Giorgia Colino (RF), Martina De Agostini (LF), Giada Cagni (DP) and Margot Lenassini (C). 

Starting pitcher Giulia Squalizza threw seven scoreless innings and allowed just four hits with seven strikeouts and three walks to earn the victory. Team Italy scored twice in the bottom of the fourth inning. After a single to center field by Letizia Giunchi, a walk to Rebecca Soldi and a bunt single by Giorgia Colino, Martina De Agostini hit a sacrifice fly for the first run. Then Giada Cagni hit an RBI single to give the Italians a 2-0 lead. 

Team Italy added another run in the bottom of the seventh inning when Letizia Giunchi tripled to left field and Giorgia Colino collected an RBI with her successful squeeze bunt to make it a 3-0 game. 

BRAZIL-ITALY BOX SCORE 

The young and talented Italians leave Tokyo with wins over New Zealand (7-0), Peru (7-4), Uganda (7-0) and Brazil (3-0) to place eighth at the U15 Softball World Cup.

USA and Puerto Rico clash in the U15 Softball World Cup Championship Final Gold Medal Game on Sunday, October 28, 2023 at 2 pm (local time), while Japan and Chinese Taipei battle for the bronze earlier in the day at 11 am (local time).

Forza #Italia!

by Roberto Angotti

OFFICIAL U15 SOFTBALL WORLD CUP WEBSITE

PLAY-BY-PLAY AND RESULTS

STANDINGS

STATS

(Photo of Letizia Giunchi celebrating with her teammates after scoring against Brazil courtesy of World Baseball Softball Confederation)