Prior to its first official practice on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the venue for all the World Baseball Classic Pool A games, Team Italy announced two pitching changes to its WBC roster. Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect Glenn Albanese and Parma-born Matteo Bocchi replace Nick Fanti and Vin Timpanelli on the Italian squad. Both players are expected to arrive in Taiwan within the next 24 hours.
The buzz could be felt in the air at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium before the Azzurri squad took the field. Team Italy manager Mike Piazza and players David Fletcher and Domenic Fletcher as well as Sal Frelick were interviewed by a traveling Japanese film crew. Grounds personnel cheered every time a home run was hit during batting practice.
The enthusiasm continued when autograph-seeking fans lined up outside the Lin Hotel, where Team Italy was given first-class Taiwanese hospitality at a welcome reception and dinner after practice.
Fans will get to see Team Italy in action for the first time on Taiwanese soil when the Italians play a seven-inning exhibition game against the Wei Chuan Dragons at Douliu Stadium on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 3 pm (local time). Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
2023 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC NEWS
(Photo of Team Italy gathering to listen to manager Mike Piazza at Taichung practice by Lynx Prod.)
