Not fielding a squad for the 2017 and 2019 competitions, Team Italy is making its first U23 European Baseball Championship appearance under the leadership of manager Alberto D'Auria. The mastermind skipper from Nettuno has worked diligently to find the finest homegrown talent on Italian soil. He said, "After five months of hard work, we have put together a roster of the best under 23 players, who will try to advance as far as possible in the tournament. The team appears to very motivated and ready for battle. Following the fighting Nettuno spirit, I hope to pass on my will and determination to win to the team."
Facing defending Euro champion Czech Republic in its first game of the international competition, it would not be surprising if Azzurri manager Alberto D'Auria calls on Team Italy starter Claudio Scotti to combat the Czechs. Coming off a spectacular season for UnipolSai Fortitudo Bologna, the former Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect won game two of the recent Italian Baseball Series against San Marino.
Team Italy manager Alberto D'Auria said, "Czech Republic is certainly the opponent I fear the most, but I am sure we will give our best effort to win the game. Our players and coaches are working in tandem to give our fans and followers something to cheer about and be proud of in this tournament."
Team Italy is in Group A along with Czech Republic, France and Great Britain. Former Dutch manager Steve Jansen is the new manager for Germany in Group B. which features Kingdom of the Netherlands, Belgium and Ukraine.
U23 European Baseball Championship Past Results
2017 1. Kingdom of the Netherlands, 2. Czech Republic, 3. Belgium, 4. Spain, 5. Germany, 6. France, 7. Great Britain, 8. Croatia.
2019 1. Czech Republic, 2. Germany, 3. Belgium, 4. France, 5. Great Britain, 6. Kingdom of the Netherlands, 7. Ukraine, 8. Croatia.
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
U23 TEAM ITALY ROSTER
U23 EUROPEAN BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
(Photo of Claudio Scotti of UnipolSai Fortitudo Bologna pitcher Claudio Scotti, who is likely to start for Team Italy against Czech Republic in the U23 Euro Baseball Championship opener by K73 / NADOC)
