(PRIMASPORT) HAARLEM (NETHERLANDS), JULY 5, 2026 – The Italian national baseball team has written a page in history by winning the Haarlem Week for the first time, a prestigious international tournament founded in 1961. In the final, the Azzurri defeated the European champions, the Netherlands, 4-3 at the end of a thrilling match, decided by Robel Garcia's three-run home run in the eighth inning.
For the team led by manager Francisco Cervelli, this is the third victory against the Dutch this week and the culmination of an almost perfect run.
Garcia signs the decisive comeback
Italy took the lead in the sixth inning thanks in part to Samuel Aldegheri's excellent performance on the mound.
The Netherlands, however, turned the tide by scoring two runs in the seventh inning and one in the top of the eighth, taking a 3-1 lead.
The Italians responded immediately with a three-run home run by Robel Garcia, the star of the final and already a key player in the previous victory against the Orange team during the tournament.
Decisive defense in the final inning
The Netherlands went all out in the final push, looking for the tying run with a steal of home plate by Selassa.
However, the defensive play of Mineo and Coviello definitively closed the match, giving Italy a historic triumph.
Six wins in seven games
The victory confirms the excellent form of the Italian national team, which concluded the tournament with six wins in seven matches. The only loss came against Chinese Taipei, but it did not jeopardize its title bid.
The success of Haarlem Week represents a significant achievement for the team coached by Francisco Cervelli and confirms the growth of Italian baseball ahead of upcoming international events. (PRIMASPORT)
