Italy’s improbable World Baseball Classic run ends, but Azzurri leave lasting impact at home

Francisco Cervelli believes Italy won't be sneaking up on opponents in three years at the next World Baseball Classic. “We are no longer the Cinderella,” the Italy manager said after the Azzurri were eliminated with a 4-2 semifinal loss to Venezuela on Monday night. The Azzurri stunned with a 5-0 start to reach their first WBC semifinal, putting a spotlight on a soccer-crazed country where baseball is less popular than in many other participating WBC nations.

By ALANIS THAMES