Italy World Baseball Classic Roster: Vinnie Pasquatino and Matt Harvey headline big league talent for Pool A hopefuls

The World Baseball Classic is well underway and Team Italy has its eyes set on the next round. The Italian roster has several MLB talents, including Vinnie Pasquantino, Matt Harvey and David Fletcher, who will be looking to help their country advance to the next round.

The Italians find themselves in one of the more desirable pools in the World Baseball Classic, which may help their quest to advance to the next round. Pool A consists of Italy, Cuba, Panama, Chinese Taipei and the Netherlands. Luckily for the Italians, they will be able to avoid powerhouses such as Japan, the United States and the Dominican Republic, which should help their cause.

"Team Italy with a huge win over Cuba to kick off their #WorldBaseballClassic campaign." - World Baseball Classic

The Italians got off on the right foot today as they defeated Team Cuba 6-3 in a 10-inning slugfest. While that was only their first game of the tournament, they currently sit second in Pool A with a 1-0 record.

Thanks to the performances of Vinnie Pasquantino, Dominic Fletcher and Nicky Lopez, Team Italy were able to overcome a strong Cuban roster that features the likes of Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada and Yoenis Cespedes.

"Add in Vinnie Pasquantino's 2-for-4 day and two #Royals infielders produced four of Italy's 11 hits in a #WorldBaseballClassic win over Cuba." - Bally Sports Kansas City

The Italians will continue their WBC tournament tomorrow against the host Chinese Taipei team. Given the amount of MLB talent, it seems likely that the Italians will move to 2-0, helping their bid for the second round.

Aside from Vinnie Pasquantino and Matt Harvey, there are several MLB players on the Italian roster, including Lopez of the Kansas City Royals, David Fletcher of the Los Angeles Angels and Sam Gaviglio, who spent time with the Toronto Blue Jays.

A look at Team Italy's Hall of Fame manager Mike Piazza

"First win as manager" - World Baseball Classic

Another link to the MLB for the Italian squad is manager Mike Piazza. The Hall of Famer is one of the greatest catchers in MLB history, helping the New York Mets reach the World Series in 2000. A 12-time All-Star and 10-time Silver Slugger, Piazza's incredible track record will provide the Italians with elite baseball knowledge and experience.

Over the course of 6,911 at-bats, Piazza recorded 2,127 hits, 427 home runs and 1,335 RBIs, while also maintaining an incredible .308 batting average. Piazza spent his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics.