Cuba faces Italy for the first 2023 World Classic victory

In editions of these tournaments, Cubans and Italians have never faced off

Cuba lost to the Netherlands, 4-2, in the first game of this World Classic. In order to avoid an early elimination from the tournament as well as a failure to qualify for the next event in 2027, it is crucial for Cuba to defeat a difficult Italian team.

It has already been announced that Cuba will have a different lineup against Italy. Alfredo Despaigne returns to the lineup after an absence against the Netherlands, while Yoelkis Guibert once again patrols right field after a strong offensive performance yesterday.

Manager Armando Johnson desperately needs the MLB duo of Moncada and Luis Robert to succeed. In their combined game against the Netherlands pitching, they were 1-for-7 combined and 0-for-2 with RISP.

How can you see it? Those in the United States can watch the game via the free Tubi TV application, while those in Cuba can watch it via Tele Rebelde.

Starters

Matt Harvey, Italy. Harvey makes his WBC debut. Having not pitched at the MLB level since 2021, the veteran pitcher will strive to give the Azzurri squad its first win. This is not only in the tournament, but also against Cuba for the first time at this level. With the Orioles in 2022, he went 8-1 with a 3.71 ERA in 13 minor league starts.

Cuba, Roenis Elias. His MLB debut was in 2014 and he has pitched in seven seasons, most recently with Seattle in 2022. He debuted with the Guantánamo Indians in the Cuban National Series in 2008-2009. In the winter of 2022-2023 his performance with the Águilas Cibaeñas of LIDOM resulted in a 4-0 record with a ERA of 0.92 and 38 strikeouts in 39 innings.