Italy stunned Puerto Rico 8-6 in Houston to advance to the World Baseball Classic semifinals in Miami. The Azzurri's victory featured a four-run first inning against Seth Lugo and a four-run fourth that broke open a close game. Italy's young lineup, with an average age of 23.8, ambushed a shorthanded Puerto Rican team missing several stars.

This marks Italy's deepest WBC run ever, surpassing their previous quarterfinal appearances. The victory came after Italy stunned Team USA in pool play, proving their perfect run through Pool B was no fluke. Manager Francisco Cervelli, a longtime MLB catcher, called it "one of the best chapters of my life" as the team's success creates unprecedented baseball buzz in Italy.

The Italians' relentless offense featured key contributions from Vinnie Pasquantino, Dominic Canzone, and Jac Caglianone. After starter Sam Aldegheri lasted just 1⅓ innings, Italy's bullpen held on despite a shaky eighth inning. Boston's Greg Weissert escaped the jam and returned for the ninth to secure the win. Italy will face the winner of Japan-Venezuela in Miami, with reinforcements like Cleveland's Brayan Rocchio expected to join the Cinderella run.