TURIN (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Italy last played at an Olympics in 2004. It was a memorable occasion for the Azzurri as they made a surprising run to the Final before falling to Argentina.

Since that silver-medal success, the Italians have endured plenty of frustration. They even missed out on taking part in EuroBasket 2009, and the 2010 and 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cups.

The summer of 2015 may prove to have been a turning point. The Italians were at full strength at the EuroBasket and made a big push for the podium.

Italy came up short, falling in overtime to Lithuania in the Quarter-Finals, yet they did not leave France empty-handed. The very next day, Italy beat the Czech Republic to clinch sixth place and assure themselves of a spot in the 18-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) field.

Much has happened to Italian basketball in the months to follow. The federation has lured former national team boss Ettore Messina back to coach the team, and Turin has been has been named as one of the three six-team OQTs.

Italy were then last week drawn in Group B of their OQT with Croatia and Tunisia, while in Group A there are Greece, Mexico and Iran. Italy must win the OQT to earn an Olympic berth.

"We want to go to Rio," Italy captain Luigi Datome told Gazzetta dello Sport. "It would be fantastic.

I've spoken to Messina. It has really hit me, his approach and his willingness (to work with the national team). With regards to the draw, as the coach says, going to the Olympics depends on us. But there is still some time to go. We still don't know who the players will be for the opposing teams. But if we are healthy, we will have our chance. And playing at home, in Turin, will be crucial. - Datome

Datome felt it important to acknowledge the work done by Messina's predecessor, Simone Pianigiani. The former Montepaschi Siena coach led the Azzurri at the past three EuroBaskets.

"I thank our former coach Simone Pianigiani," Datome said. "He did a great job. With him, I have grown a lot."

Messina is excited to be back at the helm, and he is looking forward to the OQT.

The draw strikes the imagination because all the fans feared France as a bogey team. It came out a balanced group with strong teams. If we are prepared and determined we can beat them and realize his dream of going to the Olympics. - Messina

This summer could prove to be very special indeed for Italy's players. No matter what happens for Datome, he will get something from 2016 with Italy.

"The national team represents something magical," he said. "The next one will be my 16th straight season with the Azzurri colors, including the youth and senior teams. I've spent more summers with the national team than without it."

FIBA