In 2009, Italy will have a new manager -- Marco Mazzieri, who became manager of the Italian national team in 2007, will replace Matt Galante -- and a new chance to make a name for itself on the international stage.
Most were not sure what to expect at the outset of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, but at the end of the tournament, even the most hardcore skeptics had to admit its overwhelming success.
Changes are being made to the 2009 World Baseball Classic from its '06 debut. One of the biggest is the format of the first round, which will feature a double-elimination format, as opposed to a round robin. The semifinals and finals will be held at Dodger Stadium.
Team Italy faced quite a challenge Wednesday night, but now the uphill climb only gets steeper, because their next game is against the powerhouse lineup of the Dominican Republic.
The Italian team was limited to two hits in a 6-0 loss to Venezuela on Wednesday night during World Baseball Classic competition featuring two teams from Pool D.
Team Italy launched a relentless assault to defeat Australia, 10-0, in a game that was called after seven because of the mercy rule.
Team Italy received a boost of confidence on Tuesday night with a convincing 10-0, mercy-rule win over Australia, but this club probably isn't going to have such an easy time with its next opponent: Venezuela.
Manager Matt Galante knows that it's an uphill climb for his Italian World Baseball Classic team, but he's glad to have a team of players who are proud to represent their country.
