Italy continues its unlikely run at the World Baseball Classic and will next take on Venezuela in Monday’s semifinal game. The Venezuelans are having their own storybook run after eliminating Shohei Ohtani and defending WBC champions Japan in the quarterfinals.
Next up is a spot in the final.
The game will be Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1.
How to Watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic
FOX is your exclusive home to the WBC with games spread across the FOX family of networks.
The Italy vs. Venezuela semifinal is on FS1 on Monday (8 p.m. ET). The Championship Game will be on FOX on Tuesday, March 17 (8 p.m. ET).
All games will be available for streaming on the FOX Sports app and FOX One. Catch the action on the following streaming options:
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- FOXSports.com and FOX Sports app
- FOX One
Italy vs. Venezuela Lineups, Pitchers
Aaron Nola will start Monday night’s World Baseball Classic semifinal for Italy against Venezuela rather than Michael Lorenzen.
Italy manager Francisco Cervelli said he made the decision Sunday but waited until Monday to make the announcement.
“My reason was my gut,” he said. “Everyone is available, but I think Nola is the right person. That’s my opinion, and I’m taking responsibility for my decisions.”
A 32-year-old right-hander, Nola got the win in the group stage finale against Mexico on March 11. He allowed four hits over five scoreless innings with five strikeouts and one walk, throwing 69 pitches.
Keider Montero, a 25-year-old right-hander, starts for Venezuela.
The winner of the game plays the United States in the final on Tuesday night.
WBC Schedule
Semifinals
Monday, March 16
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- Italy vs. Venezuela (8 p.m., LoanDepot Park in Miami on FS1)
Final
Tuesday, March 17
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- SF 1 winner vs. SF2 winner (8 p.m., LoanDepot Park in Miami on FOX)