FIBS announces appointment of new Team Italy manager Gilberto Gerali

Federazione Italiana Baseball and Softball (FIBS) welcomes longtime Azzurri coach Gilberto “Gibo” Gerali to take the reign as the manager for Team Italy. Replacing outgoing skipper Marco Mazzieri, Gerali brings nearly three decades of coaching and managerial experience to Team Italy. The one-time scout for the Colorado Rockies is respected internationally for his ability to find athletes with raw talent and assist them to reach their full potential so that they may one day become professional ballplayers. Having previously managed Team Europe in the 2015 Asia Winter League, Gerali has proven himself as a tried and tested leader globally. Currently serving as manager for Parma Clima in the 2017 Italian Baseball League, Gerali is an Azzurri favorite among fellow coaches, players and fans who also remember him as a pitcher during his playing days for Crocetta, Parma and Reggio Emilia.

Gerali is assisted by one of the most respected coaching staffs in Europe. Former Chicago Cubs scout and current FIBS Academy director Bill Holmberg returns as pitching coach for Team Italy. Former Seattle Mariners prospect and feared Azzurri slugger Claudio Liverziani mentors Italy’s finest as the new hitting coach. The Azzurri coaching staff is rounded out with seasoned Team Italy coaches Alberto D’Auria and Augusto Medina. Gerali, Holmberg, Liverziani, D’Auria and Medina are responsible for preparing Team Italy for the upcoming European Baseball Championships as well as the 2020 Olympics and the 2021 World Baseball Classic.

by Roberto Angotti