Trending 
Italy and Venezuela are set for a high-stakes showdown in the World Baseball Classic semifinals after both teams secured dramatic quarter-final victories on Saturday.
The “Azzurri” made history by reaching the final four for the first time, holding off a late surge from Puerto Rico to win 8–6.
They will now meet a surging Venezuelan squad that pulled off a massive upset by dethroning the defending champions, Japan, in an 8–5 thriller.
Venezuela’s path to the Miami semi-final was paved by clutch power hitting, including home runs from Wilyer Abreu and Maikel Garcia that erased an early Japanese lead.
Venezuela have established themselves as top contenders for the title, defeating a star-studded Japan team led by Shohei Ohtani and confirming their qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The South American side enters Monday’s matchup with high momentum, looking to reach the championship game for the first time.
The Italians, meanwhile, continue their “Cinderella” run behind a roster of players who have quickly bonded over the last two weeks.
After stunning the United States in group play, they proved their resilience in Houston by building an early lead against Puerto Rico and leaning on Red Sox reliever Greg Weissert to close out the win.
The winner of the Italy-Venezuela clash will advance to Tuesday’s final to face either the United States or the Dominican Republic.
