Azzurri manager Mike Piazza has assembled a coaching staff capable of making a difference in the upcoming European Baseball Championship in Piemonte. As far as the new Italian skipper is concerned, it's all hands on deck for this competition which serves as his managerial debut. Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) President Andrea Marcon has faith that Mike Piazza and his dynamic coaching staff can help Team Italy win the European title on Italian soil next month.
Dan Bonanno, colleague of the late and great Bill Holmberg as a long-time MLB representative in Italy in addition to serving as a manager in San Marino and Santarcangelo, brings his wealth of experience as the Azzurri third base coach
Michele Gerali, current Parma Clima coach with over twenty years experience as a player for the likes Parma, Reggio Emilia and Godo, will serve as the Azzurri first base coach.
Gianmarco Faraone, a promising mental performance coach who spent two years coaching for MLB in China and has developed a long list of MLB prospects as clients, is in charge of statistical coordination and scouting. He will work closely with pitchers in the bullpen during competitions.
Of significant importance in making this coaching staff complete is the recent addition of San Marino manager Doriano Bindi, winner of the recent Italian Baseball Series, who said he was honored to be part of Team Italy.
Although not participating in the European Baseball Championship due to circumstances beyond his control, Dave Sheldon is officially part of the Team Italy coaching staff. Currently manager of Senago, he was one of the greatest players ever to play baseball in Italy.
Mike Piazza and his coaching staff will hold its first official pre-Euro practice in Fossano on August 30, 2021 for those players who have completed their club obligations. The entire Team Italy roster will participate in exhibition games starting on September 6, 2021. Forza #Italia! #EuroBaseball2021
EURO BASEBALL 2021 NEWS
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Dan Bonanno and Mike Piazza at the U18 and U23 gathering on June 1, 2021 in Collecchio by El Pato 73)
