Basketball disappointment for Italy: out of the Olympics

ItalBasket is currently experiencing a lackluster period, and the results are clearly showing. Despite the stellar performances of Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna in the EuroLeague, the national team, led by Gianmarco Pozzecco, failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This disappointment for the fans stems from a system that does not adequately reward local young talent, instead favoring players from abroad.

The pre-Olympic tournament in Puerto Rico epitomized the stagnation of the Italian basketball movement compared to other nations. Italy’s elimination by Lithuania, with a twenty-four-point deficit, felt almost humiliating. This stark contrast to the famous 2004 Olympic final, where Italy narrowly lost to a different powerhouse, highlights the decline. The fact that Puerto Rico, another team that challenged ItalBasket in the qualification group, is going to Paris underscores the issues within Italian basketball.

While beating Bahrain was straightforward, Italy crumbled when it needed to prove its mettle. This is surprising given the promising performances in previous friendlies, where Pozzecco's team had performed well against Georgia and even defeated Spain in overtime.

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The memories of the Tokyo Olympics and the World Cup in Asia, where Italy reached the quarterfinals in both competitions, now feel distant. The immediate goal is to regain enthusiasm and secure qualification for the next EuroBasket 2025, which will be held in six European countries: Finland, Ukraine, Russia, Cyprus, Hungary, and Latvia.

Italy has started well in its qualification group, which includes Hungary, Turkey, and Iceland. However, many players' participation in the upcoming continental tournament is uncertain. Veterans like Danilo Gallinari and Marco Belinelli, both over 35, may not be available. Reliable players such as Niccolò Melli, Simone Fontecchio, and Niccolò Mannion will be crucial. The team will also need the fresh energy of emerging talents like Giordano Bortolani, Gabriele Procida, and Matteo Spagnolo.

The objective is clear: to rejuvenate a basketball movement that has always been a point of pride for the country and has provided numerous moments of joy.