
Italy Crowned European Zone Champion, Set to Make Debut at 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series
Washington, PA – For the first time ever, Italy is heading to the Printscape PONY League World Series, presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
PONY Baseball and Softball is proud to announce that Italy, represented by the Francisco Cervelli IABF Academy based in Tuscany, has claimed the European Zone Championship and punched its ticket to the 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series (PLWS). Their debut is set for August 9 at 12 PM EST against the host team, Washington County, at Historic Lew Hays PONY Field.
Their journey to Washington, PA, wasn’t just about wins—it was about dominance. Racking up 44 runs while giving up just 9, Italy capped off their championship run with a commanding 15-5 victory over the German Baseball Academy. Now, they’re ready to trade their Tuscan backdrop for the buzz of a global stage.
“The real strength of this team is how well they work together, like they’ve played side-by-side their whole lives,” said Head Coach Riccardo Ferretti.
The Francisco Cervelli IABF Academy isn’t your typical baseball program. Founded in 2013 by Deborah Scalabrelli, Gianni Natale, and Marco Mazzieri, the Academy blends physical training, mental preparation, and a love for the game into one all-encompassing experience. Their goal is to grow the next generation of Italian baseball stars, and they’re doing just that.
While the team prepares for the PLWS with continued training and league play, they’re not taking this opportunity for granted. “It’s amazing! Representing our country for the first time is incredible,” the Academy shared. “We’re proud. The guys were great. We’re excited. This is the dream.”
And there’s another Pittsburgh connection fans will love. The Academy is named after former Major League catcher Francisco Cervelli, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2015 to 2019. With Cervelli’s legacy tied to the Steel City, the Italian team’s arrival in Washington, PA, feels like a full-circle moment.
Italy will play its first game on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 12 PM/ET against host team Washington County, PA.