BOLOGNA (2014 FIBA World Championship) - The Italian government has reaffirmed its support for the country’s bid to host the 2014 FIBA World Championship.

The Secretary of State for Sport, On. Rocco Crimi, spoke at the induction ceremony for the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame on Sunday.

Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had already thrown his full backing behind the country’s bid last October when he greeted FIBA President Bob Elphinston and FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann at his office in Palazzo Chigi, Rome.

Crimi was also at that October meeting.

Italian Basketball Federation president Dino Meneghin was at Sunday’s presentation and spoke about the bid.

"Our basketball in general is ready to host the World Championship of 2014,” Meneghin said.

“We have presented a wonderful candidature and now FIBA have the final say."

Spain and China are also hoping to host the 2014 FIBA World Championship with FIBA set to make its decision on the weekend of May 23-24 in Geneva.

FIBA