Mizuno USA vs Italy
Friendship Series Italy June 9-18, 2026
MIZUNO FRIENDSHIP SERIES ITALY
Step onto the world stage with Northern Light Sports and represent Mizuno USA in the 2026 International Friendship Series in Italy. This is more than a trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience where elite baseball and softball players compete against international teams while traveling through the iconic cities of Venice, Tuscany, and Rome. From playing the game you love on a global platform to exploring historic landmarks, sharing meals with local teams, and building lifelong friendships, every moment is designed to develop you as both an athlete and a person. Join us for an unforgettable journey that blends high-level competition, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to wear “USA” across your chest with pride.
June 9, 2026
June 9, 2026 – International Overnight Flight to Venice
The journey begins with an international overnight flight to Venice, Italy. Players and coaches will gather at the airport with eager anticipation for the days ahead.
June 10, 2026
Day 1, Wednesday, June 10 th : Arrival Day
Your Italian adventure begins as you arrive in Venice and transfer to your hotel in Mestre. After settling in, enjoy some free time
to stretch your legs, explore the local area or soak in your first impressions of Venice by heading onto the island via a public
train (not included within the price).
If you decide to head into the island, head to the Venezia Mestre Station, a 5-minute walk away from the hotel. Purchase a
ticket to Venezia Santa Lucia for a “Regionale or Regionale Veloce” train. Trenitalia trains run roughly every 5 to 10 minutes
throughout the day. The train will take you to the station right on the Grand Canal. From here you can explore the city on foot
or hop onto a Vaporetto to reach different famous landmarks like the Piazza San Marco.
The Train takes 10 – 15 minutes into the island and costs roughly €3,00 per person per ride.
In the evening, gather for a first supper at a local restaurant within walking distance from the hotel, and enjoy the taste of
authentic Italian cuisine.
Dinner Menu
Appetizer: Mini bruschetta with fresh tomato and basil
Main Course: Homemade tagliatelle with meat sauce (ragù)
Dessert: Traditional tiramisu
Drinks: Mineral water included
Overnight in Venice.
Hotel:
Campanile Venice Mestre, Via Ca' Marcello, 8G, 30172 Venezia VE, Italian, +39 041 969 0961
June 11, 2026
Day 2, Thursday, June 11 th : Discovering Venice
After breakfast, head into the heart of Venice by Vaporetto and begin exploring one of the world’s most unique cities.
During the morning, enjoy a relaxing gondola ride through Venice’s famous canals before spending time wandering the
charming streets, bridges and hidden squares.
Around midday, enjoy a lunch at your leisure and take advantage of free time to explore independently.
In the afternoon, join a guided walking tour of Venice and learn about the city’s fascination history and architecture. Those
interested can also visit a traditional Murano glass factory and witness the famous glassmaking craftsmanship.
In the evening, return to Mestre for dinner within walking distance of the hotel.
Dinner Menu
Main Course: Grilled Chicken served with salad or baked potatoes
Dessert: Panna cotta
Drinks: One beverage included (water, soft drink, beer, or tea)
Overnight in Venice:
Campanile Venice Mestre, Via Ca' Marcello, 8G, 30172 Venezia VE, Italian, +39 041 969 0961
June 12, 2026
Day 3, Friday, June 12 th : Cinque Terre & Tuscany
After breakfast, travel to La Spezia and board a boat bound for the spectacular coastline of Cinque Terre.
Spend the day discovering the colorful fishing village perched above the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy free time to wander the
narrow lanes, browse local shops, relax by the waterfront, and enjoy lunch overlooking the sea.
Later in the afternoon, travel onward into Tuscany and arrive in Montecatini Terme, your home for the next several days.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Dinner Menu
Starter: Pasta Carbonara
Main Course: Roast beef prepared in Chianti style
Vegetarian Option: Sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil
Overnight in Montecatini Terme:
Hotel Terme Pellegrini, Piazza del Popolo, 34, 51016 Montecatini-Terme PT, Italian, +39 0572 880000
June 13, 2026
Day 4, Saturday, June 13 th : Friendship Series Begins
After breakfast, travel to Pisa and enjoy a glimpse of the famous city before continuing to the sports venue.
The day is dedicated to the opening matches of the Italian Friendship Series. Teams will take part in their first games against
local Italian opposition, experiencing both competition and cultural exchange.
After the matches, players and coaches will spend time together with the local teams, sharing stories and enjoying the spirit of
international sport and having dinner together,
Return to Montecatini Terme in the evening.
Overnight in Montecatini Terme.
Hotel Terme Pellegrini, Piazza del Popolo, 34, 51016 Montecatini-Terme PT, Italian, +39 0572 880000
June 14, 2026
Day 5, Sunday, June 14 th: Florence & Tuscany Traditions
This morning, travel to Florence, one of the world's great Renaissance cities.
Enjoy a guided tour through the historic center, discovering iconic landmarks, beautiful piazzas, and centuries of art and history.
Afterwards, enjoy free time for lunch, shopping, or independent exploration.
Those interested can visit the renowned Accademia Gallery, home of Michelangelo and the famous David.
Later in the afternoon, travel into the Tuscan countryside to visit a traditional butcher shop and experience one of the region's most authentic culinary traditions.
In the evening, return to Montecatini Terme.
Overnight in Montecatini Terme.
Hotel Terme Pellegrini, Piazza del Popolo, 34, 51016 Montecatini-Terme PT, Italian, +39 0572 880000
June 15, 2026
Day 6, Monday, June 15 th: Lucca, Tuscany; Friendship Series
After breakfast, head to the charming walled city of Lucca.
Enjoy a guided walking tour through its medieval streets, elegant squares, and remarkably preserved Renaissance walls before
enjoying free time to explore and have lunch.
The afternoon combines sport and authentic Tuscan experiences. Teams continue their Friendship Series matches against local
opposition, with one team heading to a wine experience prior to the game and the other team heading for a memorable wine-tasting experience among the rolling hills of the region post-game.
Winery Information; Location:
Fattoria Il Muro, Via delle Conserve, 51, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italien
After the games, the U15 team will have dinner with the local team while the U23 group will have dinner at the winery.
Overnight in Montecatini Terme.
Hotel Terme Pellegrini, Piazza del Popolo, 34, 51016 Montecatini-Terme PT, Italian, +39 0572 880000
June 16, 2026
Day 7, Tuesday, June 16 th: Rome; The Colosseum
Enjoying your breakfast in boxes, you will depart Tuscany and travel south to Rome.
Upon arrival, step into ancient history with a guided tour of the Colosseum. If time permits, you can walk through the archaeological site. Walking through these legendary monuments offers an unforgettable glimpse into the world of Ancient Rome.
After time for lunch and exploration, the Friendship Series continues with another exciting round of games against local teams.
In the evening, enjoy dinner and social time with the local players before transferring to your hotel in Rome.
Overnight in Rome.
Precise House Mantegna Roma, Via Andrea Mantegna, 130, 00147 Roma RM, Italian, +39 06 989521
June 17, 2026
Day 8, Wednesday, June 17 th: Vatican City Final Games
Following breakfast with breakfast boxes, travel to Vatican City for a guided visit to one of the most important cultural and
religious sites in the world. Highlights include the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
After the tour, and dependent on your group, there will be a short time for lunch.
Later in the afternoon, teams take part in the final Friendship Series matches. Its a fitting conclusion to a week of competition,
friendship, and unforgettable experiences.
In the evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner alongside the local teams, sharing memories from the journey and the
friendships created along the way.
Overnight in Rome.
Precise House Mantegna Roma, Via Andrea Mantegna, 130, 00147 Roma RM, Italian, +39 06 989521
June 18, 2026
Day 9, Tuesday, June 18 th: Departure Day
Enjoy one final Italian breakfast before transferring to the airport for your journey home.
As the trip comes to a close, you'll leave with memories of Venice canals, Cinque Terre's colorful coastline, Tuscany's rollinghills, Florence's art treasures, Rome's ancient wonders, and the friendships built through sport and shared adventure.
Mizuno USA vs Italy 2026
2026 Mizuno USA International Friendship Series
Softball: Col, 18u, 12u Coach Dave Majeski
Baseball: Col, 18u, 14u, 12u Tony Dress
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