They arrived at the ballpark in sharp suits and sipped espresso in the dugout after home runs.

The members of Team Italy had fun leaning into their heritage at the World Baseball Classic and generally enjoyed la dolce vita longer than anyone could have imagined when the tournament began earlier this month.

Italy had dared to dream of a spot in the final ¡ª or even of winning the championship ¡ª until its 4-2 loss against Venezuela in the semifinals in Miami on Monday.