TREVISO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Italy have decided to stage their February 23 World Cup Qualifier against the Netherlands in the famous basketball city of Treviso.

The Azzurri have chosen Treviso's Palaverde arena for the game against the Dutch. The venue has a seating capacity for basketball games of more than 5,300.

Italy's national side has played numerous times at the venue over the years but not since May 30, 1999, when the Bogdan Tanjevic-coached Azzurri defeated The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD) before going on to capture the FIBA EuroBasket crown that summer in France.

Only once in 11 games, a 109-101 friendly defeat to Yugoslavia on June 11, 1991, have Italy lost in the city.

The former club side, Benetton Treviso, used to be among the best in Europe and produced national team players. Mike D'Antoni, Ettore Messina and David Blatt were among the coaches at the club.

Italy opened their campaign in November with a 75-70 home triumph over Romania in Turin and an 80-64 road win at Croatia.

History strongly suggests that Italy will beat the Netherlands because in their 25 past meetings, the Azzurri have claimed 24 wins and lost only one time.

The Netherlands, however, won't be taken lightly. Not only did they make it through the Pre-Qualifiers, but Toon van Helfteren's side won its first qualifier in November, 68-61, over Croatia in Rotterdam.

As for their second game next month, on February 26, Italy will take on Romania in Cluj-Napoca. That is where Romania hosted Group Phase games at FIBA EuroBasket 2017.

FIBA