ITA - Italians must play again minus Gallinari

ROME (EuroBasket 2011) - Italian basketball fans must be patient and wait another summer before they see Danilo Gallinari put on the Azzurri shirt again.
 
The New York Knicks sharpshooter, expected to make his senior team bow at EuroBasket 2007 before being knocked out of the tournament due to injury, is fully committed to the Italians but cannot play in EuroBasket qualifying games this summer because of the need to have on a fitness regime as a part of his continued recovery from last year’s back surgery.
 
"It has always been an honor to wear the Azzurri colors and always will be,” the 21-year-old Gallinari said on his official website.
 
"The new staff of the national team has given me great support, proposing individual training and alternative logistics for all national team players.
 
“My physical problems started last summer when I underwent a back operation.
 
“I have not had the possibility to work on my body to improve.
 
“I have had the chance to play a whole season in the NBA, (but) it has been a difficult one and intense, especially from a physical standpoint.
 
“Next season will be crucial for me and for my franchise.
 
"Before I left New York, I met with the team doctors and athletic staff of the Knicks to discuss my possible participation in the European qualifying campaign and they didn't recommend it, indicating rather a summer work of power, crucial and necessary for my back.
 
“For these reasons, I have had to renounce to the qualifying campaign of the national team in August."
 
Toronto Raptors pair Andrea Bargnani and Marco Belinelli are in the squad and the national team also has a new coach with Simone Pianigiani of Lega A leaders Montepaschi Siena having replaced Carlo Recalcati.
 
Italy have EuroBasket 2011 Division A qualifying games against Latvia, Israel, Finland and Montenegro this summer.
 
FIBA