WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL B - BRAZIL VS ITALY

March 7, 2026

Sam Aldegheri

Daikin Park

Team Italy

Postgame Press Conference

Italy - 8, Brazil - 0

Q. Wanted to get your perspective on the pitching and what do you think of all the kids in Italy watching you and looking up to you right now?

SAM ALDEGHERI: Well, the performance was great, from the lineup and the bullpen, it was amazing. For the kids, I feel like it just gives a lot of hope to them. Baseball is not really a thing in Italy. It's slowing growing. Just keep a lot of hope and see me here, I mean, hopefully they're going to reach me out here.

Q. How do you compare the emotions from winning today's game compared to your first Major League start with the Angels?

SAM ALDEGHERI: It's different. Play for your country is something that you can't really explain but you can feel it, feel all the support from back home. It's amazing. So it's just different.

Q. Can you describe how the bond is with your team and the flight over from Phoenix and just how close you guys?

SAM ALDEGHERI: These guys are amazing. We had just a couple days together, but I feel we've been here together for months. Yeah, we have a great chemistry and just amazing to go out there and compete next to them.

Q. How did your emotions compare going into the start versus when you were actually out there on the mound for your first game?

SAM ALDEGHERI: Well, I was trying to not think about it the last couple of days. I was feeling this morning, a lot of pressure. But, yeah, then I went out, had the first strikeouts and it was just all right, go, attack, be you and don't think too much. These guys have got your back so you just need to do your job.

Q. Was there a highlight of your first WBC game that stands out to you?

SAM ALDEGHERI: Well, have eight strikeouts in 4.2, it's something that really cool. So I just care about the win, though.

Q. You started the game and then fellow Italian Claudio Scotti finished the game. What did you say to each other after it was all over?

SAM ALDEGHERI: Well, when he came back after the first inning, I was like, you've got to close this game. Just attack, you're better than them. We are up by eight. Just go outside, throw gas, throw in the zone, that's all you need to do; you're better than them.

Q. Can you describe the emotion you felt when you heard the Italian anthem playing through the speakers before the game?

SAM ALDEGHERI: I had goosebumps all over my body. It was chilling. I was in the bullpen next to our pitching coach, Maestri, who has been on this stage a couple times.

I was just feeling deep inside, I was just trying to think about the game. Those moments are hard. You have all these feelings back home, everything goes by your mind. So it was really cool.

Q. There's a big rivalry between Italy and Brazil in soccer. Did you try to translate that rivalry for today's game?

SAM ALDEGHERI: I mean, for me, when I got on the mound, the rivalry is with every hitter that I face. It could be Brazilian, could be American. You just step in that box, I'm just trying to get you out, no matter what.

Q. Considering what was at stake, you said the four and two-thirds shutout innings, eight strikeouts, have you ever had a better performance?

SAM ALDEGHERI: Not on this stage. No, I probably had a better performance, yes. But on this stage, it was the first time, and it was really cool.