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Italy Revives Dugout Espresso Ritual in WBC Opener Rout

Vinnie Pasquantino serves post-homer shots in a nod to Italy’s coffee culture.

Overview

  • Italy reinstalled its espresso machine in the dugout for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, confirming the return of the 2023 tradition.
  • Players took espresso shots after home runs during an 8-0 win over Brazil, with Dante Nori drinking a shot delivered by Pasquantino and Dominic Canzone also going deep.
  • Nori credited Pasquantino with conceiving the celebration, and Pasquantino served multiple shots during the game.
  • Manager Francisco Cervelli framed the ritual as cultural, saying coffee is a way of living for Italians.
  • Italy improved to 2-0 with a 7-4 win over Great Britain on Sunday and is scheduled to face Team USA on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.