Team Italy’s lineup so intriguing Pasquantino’s grandpa can’t stop talking about it

MESA, Ariz. -- Vinnie Pasquantino has jokingly reminded his grandfather, Denny, that he has been playing games regularly for the Royals this Spring Training. Old news. His grandpa wants to hear all about Team Italy and the World Baseball Classic.

“My grandfather won’t shut up asking me about Italy,” Pasquantino said with a laugh. “He thinks we’re in Italy.”

On Tuesday, the “Azzurri” were at Sloan Park for an exhibition game against the Cubs as preparation for the upcoming tournament. Chicago had 2025 National League Rookie of the Year runner-up Cade Horton on the hill and a fairly normal lineup -- sans a few of the club's own Classic participants -- as a good test for the Italian roster.

And this Team Italy group should not be overlooked, even with the impressive Team USA squad and Mexico also in Pool B, as well as Great Britain and Brazil. Pasquantino could be considered a veteran for Italy, which has an intriguing mix of Major Leaguers and up-and-comers, including five players in MLB Pipeline’s organizational rankings.

“To make the roster is very challenging,” Team Italy manager Francisco Cervelli said. “The group is talented. We have prospects. We’ve got people who are probably going to be superstars in the future. This tournament is a nice window for them to show the world how they play.”

Pasquantino rattled off the names of Royals slugging outfielder Jac Caglianone, White Sox prospect Sam Antonacci, third baseman Andrew Fischer from the Brewers’ system, and outfield prospects Dante Nori (Phillies) and Nick Morabito (Mets). There’s also Italian-born lefty Sam Aldegheri from the Angels, catcher Kyle Teel from the White Sox and outfielder Jakob Marsee of the Marlins.

“I feel old,” Pasquantino quipped. “The hope is that I can continue to play in Classics until they kick me out of this game. But some of the young talent that we have is incredible. It’s an honor to be around these guys -- hopefully, some of the young superstars in the game -- and just try to be there for them for whatever they need.”

The pitching staff got a boost, as well, when Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola agreed to join Team Italy for this year’s World Baseball Classic. Cervelli said Nola is scheduled to meet the team in Houston, where they have pool play from March 6-11. While nothing is locked in yet, Cervelli noted that the righty was in the plans to start against either Team USA or Team Mexico.

“He deserves the big shot,” said the manager.

In the history of the World Baseball Classic, Team Italy has only advanced beyond the first round once. They reached the second round in 2013 and then made a run to the quarterfinals in the last Classic in ‘23. That ended with the eventual champions, Team Japan, eliminating the Azzurri with a 9-3 win in the Tokyo Dome.

Back in 2023, Pasquantino learned a lot about his own family’s history while confirming his ability to suit up for Italy. He traced his heritage to a town outside Rome and heard some stories about the side of the family that ended up on both the Canadian and United States’ sides of Niagara Falls.

“A few years ago, we took a trip out there [to Italy]. I was able to see where my family’s from,” Pasquantino said. “Drank a lot of wine. Did what Italians do. It’s super special. And [special] being around all these guys, too, who are also learning their heritage.”

Cervelli, who played for Team Italy in the 2009 and '17 Classics, has enjoyed hearing stories like that from this group of players.

“It’s beautiful. This is the beauty of baseball,” he said. “You get people from everywhere. Even if you are American. One is from New York. One is from Cali. They’re all different. You’ve got Venezuelan guys. You’ve got Italians. For them to get to know different cultures and accept everyone the way they are with little things and just bond with each other, that’s the beauty of this game. I think that’s the beauty of life.”

When it's framed that way, it makes sense that all Pasquantino’s grandfather wants to hear about right now is Team Italy.

“As selfish as this sounds,” Pasquantino said, “it’s an opportunity to play for the name on the back. And I don’t mean play for yourself. I mean play for your family and for your heritage and just be proud of that for a seven-game tournament.”