Zandalasini ready to power new Italian era under Coach Crespi
ROME (FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers) – While Italy have changed their playcaller with the appointment of Marco Crespi, it will still be all eyes on Cecilia Zandalasini.
ROME (FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers) – While Italy have changed their playcaller with the appointment of Marco Crespi, it will still be all eyes on Cecilia Zandalasini when Italy take to the floor for the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers.
The WNBA champion and Beretta Famila Schio star was a major headline-maker for her country at the Final Round in Prague earlier this year when her debut tournament at senior level resulted in an All-Star Five berth.
Zandalasini is the standout name on the 16-player list as Crespi takes the reins and tries to pick his players up from the heartache of being squeezed out of a 2018 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup spot.
| Italy 16-player squad for FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers | |||
| Martina Bestagno | Debora Carangelo | Sabrina Cinili | Chiara Consolini |
| Martina Crippa | Valeria De Pretto | Francesca Dotto | Alessandra Formica |
| Andre Olbis Futo | Gaia Gorini | Martina Kacerik | Raffaella Masciadri |
| Elisa Penna | Giorgia Sottana | Federica Tognalini | Cecilia Zandalasini |
As well as Zandalasini, there are many other notable names such as the legendary Raffaella Masciadri who extends her service further, while Giorgia Sottana has been in particularly good form since her summer move to BLMA in France.
Rising star Andre Olbis Futo is also given a chance to impress, with Italy short-handed under the basket without the injured Kathrin Ress.
Italy face a challenging qualification process, with Sweden, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia their opponents.
FIBA