Gianni Petrucci, the long-serving and recently re-elected president of the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP), reflects on a period of significant outcomes and future prospects for Italian basketball. Having just returned from Greece where the Italian Women`s National Team secured a European bronze medal – a feat not achieved in 30 years – Petrucci shared his thoughts on this unexpected success and the road ahead, including the Men`s team`s upcoming EuroBasket campaign and the potential addition of an NBA talent.
A `Miracle` Bronze and a Stimulus for the Azzurri
Petrucci described the women`s bronze medal as a “miracle,” born from the sheer willpower and belief of the players. He admitted to being surprised by their success, particularly in beating teams from federations with vastly larger numbers of registered players. “We won 5 out of 6 games as the `poor relatives` compared to federations that have hundreds of thousands more members than us,” he remarked. He lauded the team`s coach for his remarkable impact and highlighted Cecilia Zandalasini as a phenomenal talent. This historic bronze, according to Petrucci, is not an endpoint but “just the beginning,” signaling that Italian women`s basketball is on the right track. He also views this achievement as a crucial “stimulus” for the Men`s National Team, the `Azzurri`, ahead of their own European Championship challenge.
The FIP president touchingly dedicated the medal to Achille Polonara, an Italian player currently undergoing treatment. He expressed optimism about Polonara`s recovery, noting that the player himself is serene and the medical outlook is positive.
Men`s EuroBasket Hopes and the DiVincenzo Question
Turning his attention to the Men`s team, Petrucci acknowledged the unique value brought by veteran Gigi Datome and the undeniable enthusiasm generated by coach Gianmarco Pozzecco. “The players are crazy about him,” Petrucci noted, praising Pozzecco`s good nature. He also highlighted Nicolo Melli, fresh off a difficult Turkish league championship win, as a charged leader for the team. While expressing confidence in the quality of the squad, Petrucci diplomatically refrained from making any specific predictions for the EuroBasket tournament.
A significant topic of discussion is the potential inclusion of NBA player Donte DiVincenzo, who has Italian roots. Petrucci sounded optimistic about the possibility, stating that a decision is expected within the next couple of weeks, which is the final timeframe. He acknowledged the necessary bureaucratic steps involving government ministries and expressed gratitude to ministers Tajani and Piantedosi for their interest and assistance. Petrucci affirmed that the federation is doing everything possible and, crucially, that the player himself “can`t wait to come to Italy to sign his passport.” This potential addition is clearly seen as a major boost to the team`s aspirations.
Changes in Leadership and the Sports Political Landscape
Beyond the national teams, Petrucci commented on recent leadership changes within Italian basketball and the broader sports landscape. He acknowledged the change at the helm of Lega Basket (the Italian basketball league), where Salvatore Gherardini replaced Umberto Gandini. While maintaining his respect for Gandini, Petrucci spoke highly of Gherardini, whom he has known for many years, stating that Gherardini has consistently “left his mark” wherever he has worked.
Petrucci also weighed in on the election of Luciano Buonfiglio as the new president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). Recalling a past interaction where Buonfiglio gave him a baton and called him his “orchestra conductor,” Petrucci praised Buonfiglio`s humble approach to his candidacy and his positive discourse before the vote. He noted that Buonfiglio has already started strong, with Italian sports winning three medals (including the women`s basketball bronze) under his initial tenure – perhaps hinting at a touch of good fortune alongside competence. Petrucci believes Buonfiglio is well-positioned to lead CONI for “two or three mandates.”
Addressing some political maneuvering, Petrucci defended the decision by the Basketball Federation and the Football Federation (led by Gabriele Gravina) to support Daniele Mornati for the CONI Secretary General position, calling it a choice made in good faith for the future of Italian sport. He framed it as simply “politics,” adding, with a hint of pragmatism, “but in the end, what isn`t?” He expressed confidence that Buonfiglio`s election will ease tensions within the sports community and improve relationships with figures like Swimming Federation president Paolo Barelli and Tennis Federation president Angelo Binaghi, with whom previous CONI president Giovanni Malagò had strained relationships. Petrucci dismissed the idea that Malagò`s influence would overshadow Buonfiglio, trusting in Malagò`s intelligence, while also jokingly suggesting Malagò might be the most connected person in the world.
Regarding potential “losers” in this political process, Petrucci dismissed the notion, stating that everyone involved acted in good faith. He specifically expressed trust in Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi, calling him an “illuminated leader” and confident he will keep his commitments to Italian sport, particularly football.
The Human Element: Relationships, Honesty, and Belief
Reflecting on his long and successful career in sports administration, Petrucci rated the importance of human relationships at the highest level: “From one to ten, I say ten.” He stated he neither envies billionaires nor feels he lacks anything, advising his children that results ultimately come from honest behavior. With a touch of personal philosophy, he added, “And then I believe, I am a sinner but I believe. And the good Lord never denies you one grace without giving you a better one.” He concluded by reflecting on his journey from a simple CONI employee without a degree to becoming the head of Italian sport, recounting a severe accident the previous year where he was convinced he would die but felt a sense of serenity.
Petrucci`s perspective offers a blend of strategic focus on national teams, engagement with sports politics, and a deeply personal reflection on the values that have guided his enduring career at the pinnacle of Italian sport.
