PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — As the Italian National Baseball Team intensifies preparations for the World Baseball Classic, leadership from the Italian American Baseball Foundation made a visible show of support on the ground in Florida this week.

IABF President Carmine Gangone and IABF Vice President Chris R. Vaccaro traveled to Port Charlotte to connect with Italy’s coaching staff and players during the opening days of Early Camp in the United States.

Italy Baseball Élite arrived in Florida and trained at the Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training complex, where the club is sharpening its roster ahead of the World Baseball Classic. Through February 28, the team played four exhibition games: two against a New York Yankees Minor League squad on February 23 and 25, one against Team Netherlands on February 27, and one against a Rays Minor League team to conclude the slate.

Leading the Azzurri is manager Francisco Cervelli, joined by pitching coach Alessandro Maestri and national development head Gibo Gerali, and Allard Baird, Jorge Posada, and guest instructor Alex Liddi, among others. The Early Camp represents a crucial opportunity to build chemistry, evaluate talent, and fine-tune preparations before international competition begins next month.

Gangone emphasized the Foundation’s broader mission in making the trip.

“Our commitment to all levels of Italian baseball’s national program is very important to our mission,” Gangone said. “Supporting the players and coaches as they prepare to represent Italy on the world stage reflects exactly why IABF exists: to strengthen the pipeline and invest in the growth of the game.”

Vaccaro noted the importance of connecting with the staff during this critical preparation window.

“We had an opportunity to connect with Francisco, Alessandro, and the players before they head into what should be a historic run,” Vaccaro said. “There’s a strong sense of purpose around this group. The work being done here in Florida is about more than exhibition games; it’s about unity, culture, and competing at the highest level. It also lends visibility for elite team players to train at major league facilities and aspire to make future WBC teams.”