Italy Stuns Mexico to Complete Perfect WBC Group Stage Run

Italy is no longer just a “dark horse”—they are a legitimate powerhouse. After a historic upset over Team USA, the “Azzurri” continued their dominant run at the 2026 World Baseball Classic by crushing Mexico 9-1 on Wednesday, finishing Pool B with a perfect 4-0 record.

The victory not only secured the top spot for Italy but also acted as a lifeline for Team USA, saving the defending champions from a potential early exit. Here are the four biggest takeaways from Italy’s statement win.

1. Undefeated Italy: The Story of the Tournament

While Italy made noise in previous classics, the 2026 version of this squad is a different beast entirely. A youthful, high-energy lineup combined with elite MLB-level pitching has taken the WBC by storm.

Italy’s hitters launched 12 home runs during pool play—second only to the superstar-studded Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, their rotation, led by MLB veterans Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen, posted a staggering 1.00 ERA over four games. This isn’t luck; it’s a juggernaut that outscored its opponents by 21 runs.

2. Vinnie Pasquantino Makes WBC History

After a cold 0-for-12 start to the tournament, Italy’s “heart and soul,” Vinnie Pasquantino, chose the biggest stage to explode. The Royals slugger became the first player in World Baseball Classic history to hit three home runs in a single game.

“The captaincy isn’t just about performance; it’s about what you bring to the team,” Pasquantino said. On Wednesday, he brought both leadership and a historic offensive masterclass that puts the rest of the bracket on notice.

3. Italy Saves Team USA’s “Pancetta”

In a strange twist of fate, the team that embarrassed the U.S. on Tuesday ended up becoming their savior on Wednesday. Had Italy lost to Mexico, or had Mexico won while scoring four runs or fewer, the star-studded American “Dream Team” would have been officially eliminated in the opening round.

Thanks to Italy’s clinical performance, USA’s shocking pool-play loss now becomes a mere footnote as they advance to the quarterfinals alongside the Italians.

4. Aaron Nola Proves He’s an Ace

What separates this Italian team from past iterations is the presence of an elite, top-tier arm. Aaron Nola lived up to his billing as the team’s ace, following Michael Lorenzen’s scoreless outing against the U.S. with five shutout innings of his own against Mexico.

Having a pitcher of Nola’s caliber available for high-stakes games makes Italy a terrifying matchup for anyone in the knockout rounds.

What’s Next?

The stage is set for the quarterfinals in Houston:

• Friday: Team USA vs. Canada (7:00 PM CT)

• Saturday: Italy vs. Puerto Rico (2:00 PM CT)

Italy enters the knockout stage with more momentum than perhaps any other team in the tournament. Can the “Azzurri” dream continue all the way to the finals?