The past year of Francisco Cervelli’s life is what some would consider a dream. The former Yankees catcher became the manager for the Italian national team last January, and he has spent the time since driving his truck throughout the country, exploring the land where his father was born while recruiting players to join his club. After not knowing what to expect when taking on the role, the 39-year-old Venezuelan is effusive in describing it as an incredible experience.
But one would be mistaken to assume these idyllic months have dulled Cervelli’s intensity for the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. He represented Italy in the 2009 and ‘17 tournaments, and as he takes on a new role, he’s hardly holding back when sharing his expectations with his club.
