Team Italy goes for the gold in the U22 European Softball Championship final on July 2, 2022 at 12:45 pm (ET)

Team Italy goes for the gold in the U22 European Softball Championship final on July 2, 2022 at 12:45 pm (ET)
01/07/2022
After the 12-5 victory over France and the come-from-behind 8-7 win over Spain in the U22 European Softball Championship final round robin on Friday, July 1, 2022, undefeated Team Italy has earned the right to compete in the U22 European Softball Championship final in Kunovice against host Czech Republic on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 12:45 pm (ET)

The Team Italy U22 Azzurre squad finished the European Softball Championship final round robin with a five-inning mercy-rule 12-5 win over France and a dramatic come-from-behind 8-7 victory over Spain on Friday, July 1, 2022. As a result, undefeated Team Italy (10-0) will play host Czech Republic in the Euro Championship final on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 12:45 pm (ET)

In the game that mattered most, starting pitcher Alessia Melegari and reliever Carlotta Salis combined to get the job done for the Italians against France. The explosive Team Italy offense struck early in the bottom of the first inning when scoring seven runs. After Noemi Giacometti singled and Virginia Mambelli doubled, McKenzie Barbara hit an two-RBI single. Giulia Koutsoyanopulos followed with a single. Then Linda Rampoldi drove in two runs with her single up the middle before crossing the plate on an RBI single by Silvia Torre. Back-to-back walks to Anita Bartoli and Noemi Giacometti loaded the bases for Elena Slawitz, who connected with an RBI single to give Team Italy a comfortable 7-0 advantage.

Team Italy added one run in the bottom of the second inning after a solo homer from McKenzie Barbara. France answered in the top of the third inning with three runs.

The Italians made it a 8-3 game in the bottom of the third inning when consecutive singles from Silvia Torre, Anita Bartoli and Noemi Giacometti was followed with a sacrifice fly by Elena Slawitz.

A two-out Team Italy offensive rally produced three more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Giulia Koutsoyanopulos singled and scored on an RBI double from Linda Rampoldi. Then Silvia Torre connected with an RBI double and crossed the plate on a RBI single by Anita Bartoli.

Team Italy put the game away in the bottom of the fourth inning when putting up three runs. France scored twice in the top of the fifth inning before the mercy-rule ended the contest.

FRANCE-ITALY BOX SCORE

FRANCE-ITALY LIVE STREAM REPLAY

Having already qualified for the U22 European Softball Championship final before the first pitch against Spain, Team Italy U22 manager Andrea Longagnani sent out starting pitcher Beatrice Nannetti, who got roughed up by Spain early in the game. She surrendered four runs in the top of the first inning. The Italians answered with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Leadoff hitter Noemi Giacometti doubled, advanced to third base on a passed ball and scored on the ensuing catcher's throwing error. Slugger McKenzie Barbara hit a solo home run for the second run.

Spain chased Beatrice Nannetti out of the game in the second inning after the Italian starter gave up another run. Winning reliever Carlotta Salis entered the game with one out and got two quick groundouts to stop the bleeding. However, the damage continued in the top of the third inning when Spain tallied two more runs to take a 7-2 lead.

Team Italy put one run on the board to cut the deficit in the bottom of the third inning. Elena Slawitz led off with a single, advanced to second base on a flyout, moved on to third base when McKenzie Barbara singled and eventually scored on a error committed by the catcher.

Relief pitcher Carlotta Salis dug down deep by throwing scoreless fourth and fifth innings. Trailing 7-3, the sleeping giant Team Italy offense came alive in the bottom of the sixth inning and scored five runs to take a slim 8-7 lead. After singles by Alessia Colonna and Elena Slawitz, Noemi Giacometti hit an two-run single. Tara Melassi followed with a walk before McKenzie Barbara slugged a three-run homer to culminate a dramatic Team Italy come-from-behind finish.

Despite leaving bases loaded with Spanish baserunners in the top of the seventh inning before the third out was called to secure the climatic Team Italy 8-7 victory, resilient pitcher Carlotta Salis helped her squad defensively by fielding the game-winning groundout.

SPAIN-ITALY BOX SCORE

SPAIN-ITALY LIVE STREAM REPLAY

Team Italy now faces host Czech Republic in the U22 European Softball Championship final on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 12:45 pm (ET). When the teams first met on June 29, 2022, the Italians defeated the Czechs 4-1. Watch the live stream of the Euro Championship final on the WBSC Europe YouTube Channel by clicking HERE. Forza #Italia!

U22 EUROPEAN SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE AND RESULTS

by Roberto Angotti

(Photo of Team Italy's Noemi Giacometti scoring for the first run of the game against France in the U22 European Softball Championship final round robin by MG/Oldman)