ITA - Italians get that winning feeling

RIMINI (EuroBasket 2011) - Italy may have lost their opening game in the Trofeo Tassoni in Rimini to Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the feel-good factor is back after two straight triumphs.

Getting ready for the EuroBasket in Lithuania, the Azzurri bounced back with a 67-61 win against Poland and then clinched first place in the tournament with an 82-73 success against Greece.

Andrea Bargnani and Danilo Gallinari, two of Italy's NBA stars, poured in 28 and 17 points, respectively.

The Italian coach, Simone Pianigiani, had praise for his squad.

"This victory has been a great satisfaction," Pianigiani said.

"The players full deserved it for the effort they have shown since the start of our training camp.

"Ours is a journey in which we are gaining a lot of experience and these games represent so much, not just because of the results.

"Despite having players still missing and the different tactics, we have shown a great spirit."

Italy will play at the EuroBasket and try to get back to the Olympics.

In 2004, they won the silver medal at the Athens Games while four years later, they failed to qualify for Beijing.

FIBA