As the countdown to EuroBasket 2025 begins, the Italian national basketball team, under the watchful eye of coach Gianmarco Pozzecco, took another decisive step in their preparation. Their latest test at the Trentino Cup saw them face a formidable Senegalese squad, ultimately emerging victorious with an 80-56 scoreline. While the final margin suggests a comfortable win, the journey to that triumph was anything but straightforward, offering valuable insights into the Azzurri’s evolving form.
Matteo Spagnolo during the Trentino Cup match between Italy and Senegal.
The Early Test: A Wake-Up Call from Senegal
The game commenced with a rather unexpected jolt for the Italian side. Senegal, known for their athleticism and apparently further along in their own continental championship preparations, burst out of the gates with an intensity that seemed to momentarily catch the Azzurri off guard. A quick 18-12 lead for the African visitors saw Italy struggling with both offensive cohesion and defensive assignments, a momentary lapse that could easily be attributed to the early stages of a pre-tournament friendly.
However, the beauty of a well-drilled team lies in its ability to adapt. Italy swiftly recalibrated, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for recovery. Young talent Matteo Spagnolo contributed crucial points, while Niang, fresh off a stellar performance against Iceland, added a critical three-pointer. This immediate counter-punch saw Italy not only erase the deficit but also edge ahead, concluding the first quarter with a slender 22-19 lead. A timely trio of free throws from Rossato ensured they finished the quarter on a positive note, setting the stage for what was to come.
Finding Their Stride: A Defensive Masterclass Unfolds
The second quarter saw a discernible shift in Italy`s approach. Coach Pozzecco`s adjustments clearly took root, with the team exhibiting significantly improved defensive discipline. Gone were the early jitters; in their place, a more resolute and organized unit emerged. Players like Akele and Diouf put in a commendable effort on the boards, attempting to mitigate Senegal`s athletic advantage in rebounding.
Offensively, Italy began to operate with greater fluidity and purpose. The ball moved crisply, creating better scoring opportunities. This refined execution allowed them to steadily build on their lead, extending it to 38-30 before a late surge. Two well-taken jumpers from Rossato and crucial interior plays from Diouf culminated in a commanding 48-36 advantage by halftime. The Azzurri’s newfound ability to close quarters strongly became a recurring, and rather pleasing, theme of the evening. Mouhamet Diouf, with 11 points at the half, was a standout performer, well-supported by Procida`s 8 points.
Third Quarter Domination: The Azzurri Unleashed
If the second quarter was about finding rhythm, the third quarter was about unleashing full potential. Pozzecco`s men put on a clinic in pressure defense, forcing a remarkable eight turnovers from Senegal in the quarter alone. This defensive tenacity fueled a blistering transition game, with Italy frequently converting steals into fast-break points.
Ricci`s timely three-pointer pushed Italy`s lead beyond the 20-point mark, reaching 63-42. The quarter concluded with an emphatic Italian sprint, extending their maximum advantage to 71-42. While concerns about rebounding lingered (Senegal still managed 16 offensive boards in the game) and three-point shooting remained a chilly 3-of-15, Italy`s efficiency inside the arc (23-of-36) more than compensated, highlighting a pragmatic approach to scoring. It’s a testament to their adaptability: if the perimeter shot isn`t falling, they find other ways to put points on the board.
Sealing the Victory: A Glimpse into the Future
The final quarter, despite a minor 0-6 opening lull, saw Italy effectively manage the game. With a substantial lead, the focus shifted to maintaining composure and consolidating the win. The cold shooting from beyond the arc persisted, but it mattered little as the Azzurri comfortably steered the ship to an 80-56 victory. Diouf finished as Italy`s top scorer with 17 points, showcasing his burgeoning talent, ably supported by 12 points each from Ricci and Procida.
“While the rebounding statistics might give purists a slight twitch, one must remember that salvation, in the form of rebounding behemoths Melli and Gallinari, is nigh.”
This victory, following their win against Iceland, offers strong positive momentum heading into EuroBasket 2025. The team demonstrated excellent resilience, overcoming an initial deficit against an athletic opponent. Their improved team play and ability to adjust mid-game are significant strengths.
However, the persistent issue of rebounding against physically imposing teams remains a point of focus. It`s a concern that coach Pozzecco will undoubtedly address, especially with the impending return of key veterans like Nicolò Melli, a veritable “califfo dei tabelloni” (a master of the boards), and Danilo Gallinari. Both players were rested for this Trentino Cup, alongside Niccolò Fontecchio, underscoring the strategic planning involved in player management. The recent news of DiVincenzo`s injury, ruling him out of EuroBasket, is a blow, but the team`s depth appears ready to step up.
In essence, Italy`s Trentino Cup performance was a meticulously crafted dress rehearsal. A few missed cues, some minor stage fright, but ultimately, a convincing performance that leaves the audience, and the coaching staff, optimistic about the main event. The road to EuroBasket glory is long, but the Azzurri have certainly started on the right foot, proving they can recover from adversity and deliver when it counts.
