Overview
- Italy advanced by beating Puerto Rico 8–6 in Houston, with Greg Weissert shutting down a late rally in the ninth.
- Italy enters its first World Baseball Classic semifinal unbeaten after four group wins, including an upset of the United States.
- Michael Lorenzen starts for Italy against Venezuela in Miami, while Keider Montero is listed to start for Venezuela.
- Roster moves for Italy include left-hander Joe Jacques replacing Dylan DeLucia due to pitch-count rules and infielder Brayan Rocchio filling in for the injured Miles Mastrobuoni.
- Venezuela reached the semifinal after eliminating Japan, and the game airs in Italy on Rai 2 and on Sky platforms overnight between March 16 and 17.