Matteo Bocchi Targets LA 2028 Olympics After Helping Italy Qualify for Premier12
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Italy pitcher Matteo Bocchi has set his sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games after helping his country secure a place in the WBSC Premier12 2027 tournament.
The 30-year-old right-hander played an important role in Italy’s successful campaign at the WBSC Premier12 2027 Barcelona Qualifier presented by RAXUS last weekend. He struck out six batters over 3.2 innings against Colombia before returning to pitch a scoreless inning against Germany.
Bocchi said he was ready to contribute whenever Italy manager Francisco Cervelli needed him, adding that he felt physically prepared to pitch in both games.
The Italian pitcher began his baseball journey in Parma, a city with a strong baseball tradition. He developed through the Crocetta Parma system before moving to the United States to play college baseball at Odessa College and the University of Texas. He was part of the Texas team that reached the 2018 College World Series and later joined the Chicago Cubs organisation.
Bocchi returned to Parma in 2023 and enjoyed a successful 2026 club season, winning the Italian Serie A championship and the inaugural Baseball Champions League Europe title.
A member of Italy’s national team since 2018, he has also represented his country at major international events, including the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Bocchi views his experience as both a responsibility and an opportunity to support younger teammates. He said he aims to lead by example and help the team succeed whenever he takes the mound.
He also credited Cervelli with creating a strong team atmosphere, highlighting the importance of unity and team activities away from the field.
According to Bocchi, representing Italy means putting the team’s results ahead of individual achievements. He believes that commitment and togetherness have helped the squad compete against strong international opponents.
Premier12 Offers Italy a Path to the Olympics
The WBSC Premier12 2027 will provide Italy with an opportunity to measure itself against some of the world’s leading national baseball teams. The tournament also carries significant Olympic importance, as the highest-placed team from Europe or Oceania in the final standings will earn qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Bocchi said qualifying for the Premier12 was Italy’s immediate objective, but the team now has a bigger ambition: reaching the Olympics.
He believes Italy has demonstrated its ability to compete with teams from around the world and hopes the upcoming tournament will help establish the team’s position in international baseball.
Despite his growing experience, Bocchi said his passion for the sport remains unchanged. He continues to enjoy taking the mound and is determined to help Italy achieve further success.
With a place in the Premier12 secured, Bocchi and his teammates will now look to build on their progress as they pursue the dream of Olympic qualification.
