TRENTINO (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - Many of the teams warming up for FIBA EuroBasket 2017 played in friendly games over the weekend, including an Italy side that hosted and won the Trentino Cup.

But more important than the Azzurri's 96-36 and 67-57 victories over Belarus and the Netherlands, respectively, was a thumb injury suffered by forward Danilo Gallinari, that has knocked the NBA star out of FIBA EuroBasket.

Gallinari got into an altercation with a Dutch player which left him with a fractured first metacarpal on his right hand. The normal period of recovery for such an injury is 40 days, which means Gallinari will not be back for Italy when they face Ukraine, Georgia, Lithuania, Germany and Italy in Tel Aviv in the Group Phase.

Gallinari, 28, was ejected from the game and only learned he would not be able to play at FIBA EuroBasket after the contest.

The injury spoiled an otherwise good day for Italy, with coach Ettore Messina saying that the hard game had been "the best thing that could happen to us," although that was before learning of the severity of Gallinari's injury.

"It was a rough game against opponents who put their hands on us," Messina said. "We made a lot of mistakes and we were nervous as in the case of Gallinari, who reacted and was expelled.

"On defense, we have clear what we have to do but in attack, especially under pressure, we have to play with more steps and less bumps. I see a great commitment on the part of everyone. The new guys have done good and bad things and are all engaged in the hope of making the 12 (final roster)."

Marco Bellinelli, who had 14 points, was named the MVP of the Trentino Cup.

Ukraine had a rough weekend, losing first to the Netherlands, 70-65, and then to Belarus, 77-74.

Israel swept Romania in their two games over the weekend, winning 83-73 on Friday and 85-81 on Sunday.

Iceland's Martin Hermannson is in good form ahead of FIBA EuroBasket 2017

Belgium slumped to a couple of defeats in Iceland in a battle of FIBA EuroBasket sides. In the first meeting, Martin Hermannsson excelled as Iceland prevailed 83-76 while in the second, Hlynur Baringsson poured in 17 points to lead the way for Craig Pedersen's side in an 85-70 triumph. Iceland hit 11-of-22 shots from the arc in that second victory.

Gerald Lee had 21 points and Erik Murphy 14 but Finland, who are getting ready to host Group A at the FIBA EuroBasket, fell 85-81 to Latvia.

Neither team was at full strength. The Chicago Bulls' lottery pick, Lauri Markkanen, did not play for the Susijengi while Latvia did not have Janis Blums, who joined the squad on Sunday. NBA players Kristaps Porzingis and Davis Bertans are due to be with Latvia from August 8.

Russia, who are playing in Group D at FIBA EuroBasket, have added long-time international Sergei Bykov to their coaching staff.

"I am glad to join the team again, now in a new capacity," said Bykov, who played on the Russia team that won FIBA EuroBasket 2007 in Spain. "I hope that my experience and reputation will help the team perform successfully at EuroBasket."

Point guard Bykov is now on the Russia coaching staff

"We want the national team to have continuity," said head coach Sergei Bazarevich. "Sergei always helped the team as a player and now will be useful as a coach."

FIBA