Italy`s national basketball team, the Azzurri, continue their methodical march towards the European Championship, securing a convincing 80-56 victory over Senegal in the Trentino Cup. While the final score suggests a comfortable win, the journey to this triumph was, much like a classic Italian opera, marked by an uncertain opening act before blossoming into a powerful crescendo. This performance offered valuable insights into Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco`s evolving squad, showcasing both areas of strength and persistent challenges.
A Dramatic Opening: From Jitters to Control
The match began with Italy exhibiting a touch of pre-tournament jitters, allowing a physically superior and more prepared Senegalese squad to dictate the early tempo. Senegal, fresh into their continental tournament preparations, leveraged their athleticism through players like Camara and Manè, building an early 18-12 lead. For a moment, it seemed the Azzurri were tangled in their own ambition, pushing the pace perhaps a bit too enthusiastically, leading to unforced errors.
However, Italy, true to form, prefers a dramatic entrance. A quick four points from Matteo Spagnolo and a crucial three-pointer from Niang – a standout from the previous day`s win against Iceland – quickly narrowed the gap. By the end of the first quarter, three successful free throws from Rossato nudged Italy ahead, closing the quarter at 22-19. The second period saw a more composed Italian side. Defensive adjustments, coupled with strong efforts on the boards from Akele and Diouf, allowed Italy to stretch their lead. With a more ordered offensive flow, two well-executed baskets from Rossato and crucial interior moves from Diouf extended the advantage to 48-36 by halftime. The tendency to finish quarters strongly, it seems, is a habit Pozzecco`s team enjoys cultivating.
Second Half Dominance: A Masterclass in Team Play
The second half was where Italy truly asserted its authority. Coach Pozzecco`s team turned up the defensive pressure, forcing a remarkable eight turnovers in the third quarter alone. This newfound intensity fueled a series of fast breaks, turning defensive stops into offensive opportunities. A pivotal three-pointer from Ricci pushed Italy`s lead beyond the 20-point mark, reaching 63-42. The Azzurri continued their surge, achieving their maximum advantage of 71-42 by the end of the third quarter.
Despite a concerning 16 offensive rebounds for Senegal and a less-than-stellar 3-point shooting performance (a chilly 3-of-15), Italy`s efficiency inside the arc was remarkable, converting 23 of 36 two-point attempts. This tactical adaptation highlighted the team`s ability to pivot when their perimeter shots weren`t falling.
A brief lapse, perhaps a collective “siesta,” saw Senegal start the final quarter with a 6-0 run, but Italy quickly regained composure. Managing the game effectively, they cruised to the final score of 80-56. Key contributions in the latter stages came from Diouf, who finished as Italy`s top scorer with 17 points, supported by Ricci and Procida, both contributing 12 points each.
The Road Ahead: Rebounding and Reinforcements
While the victory was undeniably positive, one persistent concern for the Azzurri remains: rebounding. Senegal`s 18 offensive rebounds throughout the game highlighted an area where Italy will need to find solutions, especially against the more formidable opponents awaiting them in the European Championship. It`s a riddle that will likely be solved with the return of key players. The good news is that for the games that truly count, Italy expects the return of seasoned veterans like Gallinari and, crucially, a rebounding maestro like Captain Melli, who was rested for this game along with Fontecchio.
This Trentino Cup win, following their earlier victory against Iceland, serves as another crucial step in Italy`s preparation. The team demonstrated resilience, tactical adjustments, and a growing cohesion. With the European Championship debut against Greece (and their towering presence, Antetokounmpo) looming on August 28th, these warm-up performances offer valuable confidence and a clear roadmap for improvement.
Italy`s journey is far from over, but this latest triumph confirms they are on the right trajectory, building momentum with each game. The Azzurri are not just winning; they are learning, adapting, and steadily honing their craft for the challenges that lie ahead.
