ROME (Italy) - On July 4, 2021 Italian fans were biting their nails in front of the television, wondering how much longer Simone Fontecchio could contain Vasilije Micic, if Achille Polonara could hit yet another three-pointer in transition, if the magical evening of Nico Mannion was just a dream to wake up from or if Alessandro Pajola could continue to play the role of his mentor Milos Teodosic, definitely not in the right mood on the other side of the court.

Instead, Italy's 102-95 win over hosts Serbia at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Final in Belgrade was an unexpected climax which was worth boundless joy and a ticket to the Olympics, that had proved elusive since the Azzurri won silver in Athens 2004.

After enjoying the Azzurri’s adventure at Tokyo 2020, which ended in an excellent 5th-place finish, Gianmarco Pozzecco also observed from afar the games against Netherlands and Iceland in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers, while sitting next to Ettore Messina as assistant coach of Olimpia Milano. He was ready to take the lead of the U23 National team when suddenly the scenario changed.

Gianmarco Pozzecco took the reins of Italy just ahead of the third window of the World Cup Qualifiers

The new era that had begun to take shape that night in Belgrade, when Meo Sacchetti had succeeded in something historic, assumed its final form two months from the start of FIBA EuroBasket 2022. Pozzecco became the new head coach of Italy, and his impact was immediately visible.

From the friendly encounter defeat against Luka Doncic’s Slovenia in his beloved Trieste to the road win over Maurizio Buscaglia’s Netherlands in the World Cup Qualifiers, the choices of the former coach of Dinamo Sassari have seen glimpses of fresh hope: the return of the prodigal son Marco Spissu, the addition of the naturalized defensive specialist John Petrucelli, an accountable Tommaso Baldasso after a season in Milan.

The squad that will welcome to Milan its Group C rivals relies on the experience and leadership of captain Gigi Datome, an electrified Danilo Gallinari after his arrival at the Boston Celtics; Simone Fontecchio, a young star who is ready for an exciting NBA career with the Utah Jazz; and on the proven reliability of Nicolo Melli and Achille Polonara in the frontcourt.

The Azzurri have been ignoring the sweet taste of a medal at EuroBasket since 2003. Every edition since then has been a mix of highlights- including victories over Spain and Germany in 2015 - and scorching disappointments of elimination in the Group Phase in 2011 and defeat to Lithuania in 2015.

The 2003 bronze with Charlie Recalcati - who is now an assistant coach - at the helm does not hang around Pozzecco's neck. The coach wants instead to wear a medal this year, at the dawn of a new, exciting and promising, chapter for the Azzurri.
 

 IN THE LAST 10 FIBA EVENTS

  (QUALIFIED AS CO-HOSTS) COMPETED IN THE : FIBA EUROBASKET 2022 QUALIFIERS - 1st IN GROUP B (4W - 2L)

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