WBC 2026: Italy Shuts Out Brazil 8-0 Behind Aldegheri in Pool B at Houston

Italy opened its 2026 World Baseball Classic with an 8-0 shutout of Brazil in Pool B on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Daikin Park in Houston. Manager Francisco Cervelli handed the ball to Sam Aldegheri—one of the few MLB players ever born in Italy and the first Italian-born pitcher to reach the Majors in nearly 80 years (since Rugger Ardizoia in 1947). Aldegheri, from Verona, threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings with one hit allowed and eight strikeouts in his first start for his country. He said he had "goosebumps" during the national anthem and that his first strikeout settled him down: "Be you."

Italy broke through in the sixth after Brazil starter Enzo Sawayama held them at bay: Zach Dezenzo (Astros)—playing in his home ballpark—opened the scoring with an RBI single, and Jac Caglianone (Royals) doubled off the glove of Dante Bichette Jr. down the right-field line. Dante Nori homered twice late and Dominic Canzone crushed a three-run no-doubter into the second deck in right to punctuate the 8-0 win. Nori, at 21 years and 151 days, became the second-youngest player in WBC history with a multi-homer game (after Brazil's Lucas Ramirez the day before). Brazil dropped to 0-2. The top two teams from Pool B advance to the quarterfinals in Miami (March 13–14). Italy joins Mexico and Team USA with a win; Brazil is still looking for its first WBC victory.

How the game unfolded

Aldegheri set the tone from the first pitch. He reminded himself "Be you" after his first strikeout and went on to record seven more K's. Brazil could not solve him; Italy's bullpen preserved the shutout after he left. Cervelli said the plan to save this game for Aldegheri was an idea they had "a long time ago."

The game was scoreless until the sixth, when Dezenzo and Caglianone broke the ice. Nori's two homers and Canzone's three-run blast put the game out of reach—and brought out shots of espresso in the Italian dugout. Aldegheri said he hopes kids in Italy are watching: "Baseball is not really a thing in Italy. It's slowly growing. [I just want] to give them a lot of hope to see me here." Italy's next two pool games are against the U.S. and Mexico.

Pool B context and what's next

Pool B at Daikin Park in Houston features Team USA, Mexico, Great Britain, Italy, and Brazil. Italy reached the quarterfinals in 2023; this win is a strong start toward repeating that. Pool play runs through March 11; every game will shape who reaches Miami.

Names to watch for AthX

Sam Aldegheri (Angels No. 17 prospect) made history as the first Italian-born pitcher in the Majors in nearly 80 years and dominated in his WBC debut. Zach Dezenzo (Astros), Jac Caglianone (Royals), Dante Nori, and Dominic Canzone led the offense. Brazil features Lucas Ramirez (son of Manny Ramirez). WBC performance does not affect dynamic pricing—AthX prices are driven by MLB performance—but a strong tournament can boost narrative and demand before Opening Day.

What It Means for AthX

WBC stats don't count in dynamic pricing; AthX share prices are based on MLB playing time and results. Still, WBC results can shape narrative and demand for players on both rosters. Use the WBC as a lead-in to see who's in form, then browse the marketplace to see how MLB players are valued on AthX.

*Sources: MLB.com – Italy shuts out Brazil, with Verona native Aldegheri leading the charge; official WBC Pool B results. Fact-checked March 7, 2026.*