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ROME – A wave of optimism is sweeping through Italian basketball following the Women`s National Team`s remarkable bronze medal win at the European Championship. At the center of this positive momentum is the veteran President of the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP), Gianni Petrucci. Having just returned from Greece where the team clinched Italy`s first medal in the women`s event in three decades, the soon-to-be 80-year-old administrator showed no signs of fatigue, only profound satisfaction and forward-looking ambition.
“It`s a miracle, born from the sheer willpower of these athletes,” Petrucci declared, reflecting on the unexpected podium finish. “They truly believed, and they surprised even me. It was a monumental effort. We managed to defeat France, the Olympic silver medalists, and secured five wins out of six contests, operating as relative `poor relatives` compared to federations with vastly larger player bases. Yet, this feels like just the beginning. We have a coach, [Lino Lardo], who has astonished everyone – it`s worth noting I faced criticism when I appointed him – and in Cecilia Zandalasini, we have a true phenomenon. While this result doesn`t magically solve all our existing challenges, it strongly indicates we are on the correct trajectory. We are absolutely committed to continuing our investment in the women`s game, with an eye toward revitalizing the domestic league as well. This bronze, after thirty long years, doesn`t just shine, it glitters and glitters. It`s a beacon.”
Petrucci took a moment to dedicate the bronze medal to Achille Polonara, the Italian international currently undergoing treatment. “When I visited him, I was deeply moved, but he maintains a remarkable serenity. The medical team is also optimistic about his recovery. He has recently traveled to Spain, and our thoughts are entirely with him.”
The focus now inevitably shifts to the Italian Men`s National Team, coached by Gianmarco Pozzecco, as they prepare for their own European Championship challenge. Petrucci is vocal about his hope that the women`s success will provide significant motivation. “This bronze medal absolutely must serve as a stimulus for Pozzecco and the team ahead of the EuroBasket,” he stated. “The men`s squad possesses unique assets like Gigi Datome, whose presence adds immense value, and the palpable enthusiasm generated by `Poz.` It`s plain for everyone to see; he`s a person of genuine warmth, and the players adore him. Additionally, we have Nicolo Melli, fresh from winning a demanding championship in Turkey; he`ll be energized and is a natural leader. We field a competitive national team, but please, refrain from asking me for any predictions…”
One of the most discussed potential additions to the men`s roster is NBA player Donte DiVincenzo. Petrucci addressed the ongoing situation with cautious optimism. “We are hopeful we can finalize this. Within the next couple of weeks, which aligns with the necessary deadline, everything should become clear. We remain optimistic. There are standard bureaucratic processes involved at the ministerial level, specifically with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior. I want to express my gratitude to Ministers Tajani and Piantedosi for their engagement in this matter. We are diligently working on our end; the player himself is reportedly `eager` to travel to Italy to sign the necessary passport documents.” The navigation of international bureaucracy for sports eligibility, while a familiar dance, always adds a layer of procedural intrigue.
Beyond the national team sphere, Petrucci commented on recent changes within the Italian basketball landscape, including leadership adjustments in the Lega Basket. “While everyone is aware of my excellent relationship with [former Lega Basket President] Umberto Gandini, whom I still consider a formidable executive, as demonstrated during his time at AC Milan and Roma, I must also speak highly of the newly appointed president, Gherardini. I`ve known him for many years, and wherever he has worked, he has consistently left a significant positive impact.”
He also offered his thoughts on teams that provided surprises during the most recent domestic league season. Petrucci specifically highlighted the “great enthusiasm” infused into Trapani by its owner Antonini and the unexpected performance of Brescia, commending owner Mauro Ferrari as an “extraordinary entrepreneur” and coach Alessandro Poeta, whose composed demeanor on the bench, Petrucci suggested, “should be a template for everyone.”
Transitioning to the broader political landscape of Italian sport, Petrucci discussed the election of Luciano Buonfiglio as the new president of CONI, the Italian Olympic Committee. “Years ago, when I was CONI president, he presented me with a baton, telling me, `You are my orchestra conductor.` I kept it. Buonfiglio has commenced his tenure on solid footing; he approached his candidacy with genuine humility, initially linking it to the potential continuation of [outgoing president] Giovanni Malagò`s term, and delivered a strong address before the vote. Furthermore, he`s already overseen three medals – from our basketball and athletics – so one could say he also possesses a degree of fortune! I believe he is capable of leading CONI for two or possibly three terms.” Petrucci openly acknowledged his role, alongside football president Gravina and others, in supporting Massimo Mornati for the position of CONI Secretary General, framing it as a calculated “political” decision made in the best interests of Italian sport as a whole.
Petrucci noted Buonfiglio`s proactive efforts to foster positive relationships, citing meetings with Minister Abodi and swimming federation president Barelli, figures with whom the previous CONI leadership experienced periods of tension. “Buonfiglio`s election has certainly helped to ease tensions,” Petrucci observed, “and I am confident he will also successfully mend relationships with [tennis federation president] Angelo Binaghi. As for the `shadow` of Giovanni [Malagò]? It won`t be an issue; Giovanni is intelligent. That being said, if you were to conduct a survey, I suspect he might be the individual who knows the most people globally…”
When asked if there was a discernible “loser” in the recent CONI election dynamics, Petrucci disagreed. “I don`t believe so. [Italian Paralympic Committee President] Luca Pancalli acted with good intentions, and Minister Abodi has consistently demonstrated himself to be an insightful executive. I have faith in him: he has made specific commitments to the world of sport, particularly concerning football, and I am entirely certain he will honor those commitments.”
Concluding his reflections, Petrucci emphasized the paramount importance of human relationships throughout his extensive career. “On a scale of one to ten, I unequivocally rate it a ten. I maintain a healthy skepticism of self-proclaimed `phenomena,` and I genuinely don`t feel any envy towards billionaires because, quite frankly, I lack nothing essential. I consistently impart to my children that if one conducts themselves with integrity and honesty, ultimately, the desired results will materialize. And on a personal level, I also hold deep faith; I may be a sinner, but I am a believer. My conviction is that the divine never withholds a lesser blessing without the intention of bestowing a greater one. Consider my own path: I began as a humble employee at CONI, initially without even holding a university degree, and yet I rose to become the foremost figure in Italian sport. When I experienced that severe accident last year, I was genuinely convinced I was facing my end. And in that moment, I felt a profound sense of serenity.”
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