Sports

Lavazza Scores With Italy’s Espresso Celebrations at World Baseball Classic

Members of Team Italy drink espresso in the dugout before the game against Team Venezuela at loanDepot park in Miami on March 16.Photographer: Daniel Shirey/MLB/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Ira Boudway

March 17, 2026 at 5:10 PM UTC

Italy was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic on Monday, bringing an end to the Italians’ unbeaten run in the tournament and to their espresso-fueled celebrations.

Over the course of the two-week tournament, Italian players who hit home runs were greeted in the dugout with kisses on the cheek and a fresh shot of espresso in a ritual that became a viral sensation — and an unplanned product placement for Italian coffee roaster Luigi Lavazza SpA.