Legnano to partner with Caronno Pertusella for a WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup for the ages

Legnano hosted a press conference to introduce the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup 2025 to the city.

"We were flattered when FIBS asked if we had an interest in co-organising the second U-15 Women's Softball World Cup," said mayor Lorenzo Radice. "As Legnano's mayor, I focus on the advantage the city will have hosting a high-profile event. As a softball parent, I can't wait to live in the refreshing atmosphere of international softball."

"You win or lose, and that goes down in history books," said Marco Mazzieri, the President of the Italian Baseball Softball Federation (FIBS). "What really matters is the everlasting relations you can build while hosting a World Cup."

The chairman of the Lombardia Region FIBS Committee, Marco Grassi, announced that the Trophy Tour, building on the successful experience of the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals last year, will open on May 31 in Rho and reach Ceriano Laghetto, Rescaldina, Caronno Pertusella, and Saronno before ending in Legnano.

"There's a difference with the 2024 Trophy Tour," commented Grassi. "We will try to reach outside the baseball/softball environment. Our sport is inclusive and a lot of fun. We will use the tour to promote Baseball, Softball, and Baseball5 in the area."

The trophy, manufactured by Italian goldsmiths Fratelli Pazzaglia in Pisa, is inspired by the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup logo. It is 43 centimetres (or 16.9 inches) high and weighs 6.2 kilograms (13.7 pounds). It is mostly made of metal, polished brass, 24k gold plated and plexiglass.

Legnano competes in Italy's second division league and has hosted European club competitions in the past. President Massimo Gioachini announced that the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup will be one of the occasions to celebrate the club's 75th anniversary. "I don't think we could find a better way. Hosting the World Cup allows us to improve our softball stadium," he said.

Caronno Pertusella is the co-host of the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup 2025 and mayor Marco Giudici attended the press conference.

World No. 7 Italy will compete in Group A and face No. 2 Japan, No. 3 Purto Rico, No. 9 Mexico, No. 13 Spain and No. 64 American Samoa.

Group B will include No. 1 USA, No. 4 Chinese Taipei, No. 6 Canada, No. 8 Czechia, No. 10 Australia and No. 39 Singapore.

Italy head coach Maristella Perizzolo led the team to first place in the Palomino U-18 tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, earlier this month.

"I wanted the tournament to offer us experience and a chance to grow," she commented. "We just started our preparation for the World Cup, and we simply have to keep working hard.

"My players are resilient and they showed it in Germany. When you play a World Cup you must be aware you are competing at the next level. I'm aware we will face world class teams. I want my players to focus on playing good softball. If we can do that, we will win some games."

Mazzieri said he shares Perizzolo's view: "We communicate every day. She is aware of the little things we need to work on. She is talented and stubborn, which I like in a coach."