Team Italy has installed an espresso machine in its dugout during the World Baseball Classic, allowing players to celebrate home runs with quick shots of coffee. The tradition aligns with Italian culture and has been a fixture in recent tournament appearances.[1][2]

The practice gained attention during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, when Italy used a Nespresso machine in Pool A at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Players and coaches would prepare and drink espresso after home runs.[1][2]

Italy posted a 3-1 record in the 2023 group stage, with wins over Great Britain (10-0 on March 11), Canada (14-5 on March 13) and Cuba (9-1 on March 15), and a loss to Mexico (2-10 on March 12). The team advanced to the quarterfinals for the second time in its history, having reached that stage in 2017, before a 1-9 defeat to Venezuela on March 18.[3][4]

Former MLB catcher Francisco Cervelli, who played for Italy in 2023, described the custom: "In Italy, we drink coffee about 20 times a day. It’s a tradition. You’re walking down the road. You see a coffee spot, get some coffee. Then you chitchat, and then keep walking and do the same thing all over and over again. That’s how Italy is."[1]

Cervelli noted the machine travels with the team, including on buses and to other events like the European Baseball Championship.[1]

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who debuted internationally for Italy at the 2024 WBSC Premier12, is part of the current roster and associated with the celebration tradition.[5][1]

For the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Italy competes in Pool B at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, from March 2026. Opponents include the United States, Venezuela, Netherlands, Great Britain and Brazil.[6]

Sources

1. MLB.com
   Italy's espresso machine is the talk of World Baseball Classic dugout
   March 14, 2023
   https://www.mlb.com/news/italy-nespresso-machine-world-baseball-classic
2. The Athletic
   Italy’s dugout Nespresso machine is the best (only?) weapon at the WBC
   March 14, 2023
   https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4280579/2023/03/14/world-baseball-classic-italy-nespresso/
3. MLB.com
   2023 World Baseball Classic Pool A Standings
   March 2023 (accessed October 2024)
   https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/2023/pool-a
4. WBSC.org
   2023 World Baseball Classic Official Results
   March 2023
   https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/world-baseball-classic-2023
5. MLB.com
   Vinnie Pasquantino makes Italy debut at Premier12
   October 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/news/vinnie-pasquantino-italy-premier12-roster
6. WBSC.org
   WBSC announces teams, pools for 2026 World Baseball Classic
   September 18, 2024
   https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/wbsc-announces-teams-pools-2026-world-baseball-classic