Latest on Italy's WBC Roster, Full Lineup amid Championship Pursuit in 2026 Bracket

Team Italy is rolling out its ace against Venezuela.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Italians reportedly will start Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola in the World Baseball Classic semifinals on Monday:

Here was Italy's lineup for its win over Puerto Rico, along with the birth country of those potential starters for Monday night's matchup:

• 1. Sam Antonacci, 2B (USA)
• 2. Thomas Saggese, SS (USA)
• 3. Jakob Marsee, CF (USA)
• 4. Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B (USA)
• 5. Dominic Canzone, DH (USA)
• 6. Jac Caglianone, RF (USA)
• 7. Andrew Fischer, 3B (USA)
• 8. J.J. D'Orazio, C (Venezuela)
• 9. Dante Nori, LF (Canada)

Nola, 32, pitched five scoreless innings in Italy's 9-1 win over Mexico on Wednesday, giving up four hits and no walks while striking out five.

The initial belief was that Michael Lorenzen would start Monday's contest against Venezuela. He threw 4.2 innings of scoreless ball against the United States during an 8-6 Italy win in group play, giving up just two hits while striking out two. But the Italians clearly aren't taking Venezuela lightly, even if that means utilizing their two best starters before the championship game.

A potential rematch with the United States looms after the Americans survived a 2-1 pitcher's duel against the Dominican Republic on Sunday. A bullpen game against one of the most talented rosters in the tournament isn't exactly ideal, though neither would be failing to get to the championship game in the first place.

And if the Italians can ride Nola through the majority of Monday's contest, having Lorenzen on the bump in the championship round—after he already had success against the United States—could play out nicely for Italy.

To this point the Italians have been the story of the tournament, going undefeated behind a hot offense that has outscored opponents by a whopping 40-17 margin. If the bats stay hot, the pitching decisions may ultimately matter less.

But for now, the Italians aren't taking any chances against Venezuela.