Italy's national basketball team is gearing up for a pivotal matchup against Hungary on February 23 at the PalaCalafiore, Reggio Calabria, as they aim to secure their position at EuroBasket 2025. Fresh off their impressive victory over Turkey, Italy leads Group B with four wins out of five matches, effectively solidifying their success prior to this encounter. The anticipation surrounding this game is palpable, with the arena set to be filled to capacity, accommodating 7,000 fans eager to support their team.
Head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco welcomes back Saliou Niang, who was unable to play against Turkey due to illness. Meanwhile, Riccardo Rossato has been omitted from the lineup for strategic reasons and will be replaced by Sasha Grant, who along with Niang, will be making his debut for the senior national team. This brings the total to twelve debutants under Pozzecco’s tenure, marking a significant moment for the squad.
At the helm, team captain Alessandro Pajola set personal records during the previous match, scoring twelve points to add to his career highlights. Giordano Bortolani also showcased his explosive potential by scoring sixteen points against Turkey, reaching the remarkable milestone of 100 total points for his national career. Dame Sarr has recorded his first points ever with the national team, and Momo Diouf notched ten rebounds, his career best, solidifying the depth and talent within the squad.
On the opposite bench, Hungary arrives at Reggio Calabria with the hope of causing upsets after initially struggling through the qualifiers with four consecutive defeats. Their recent triumph over Iceland, reversing the outcome from earlier matches, brings renewed hope for their qualifications. Hungary’s task is simple—defeat Italy and rely on the Turks to take care of business against Iceland to keep their slim hopes alive.
Coached by Slovenia’s Gašper Okorn, Hungary's veterans Akos Keller, David Vojvoda, and Zoltan Perl remain key players, tasked with lifting the team during this make-or-break moment. Though they are without their star Adam Hanga, they look to Nate Reuvers, who has experience from the Spanish league, to bolster their offensive strategies.
The history between Italy and Hungary is rich and filled with competitive encounters. Italy claimed victory on their last meeting, winning decisively with a score of 83-62 during the first matchup of the qualifiers in Szombathely. The historical record shows Italy leading with 21 wins out of 33 matches played since their first meeting back in 1936.
Meanwhile, the excitement surrounding the match is not limited to the basketball court. The FIP Calabria and the local administration have planned several events to engage the community, turning Reggio Calabria itself—often overlooked—into the center of Italian basketball for the weekend.
“Aver scelto Reggio Calabria per ospitare un evento così prestigioso è un segno tangibile della crescita del nostro movimento. La Calabria…ha sempre avuto una tradizione di passione e impegno nel basket,” said Paolo Surace, President of FIP Calabria. He emphasized the region's commitment to the sport and the potential it holds to showcase organizational capabilities on such grand stages.
The pre-game festivities will kick off on February 21, with events aimed at introducing young athletes to the sport, highlighting values such as teamwork, respect, and determination. The “Palleggiata,” featuring local youth from various categories, will culminate with participants meeting national team members and the city's mayor.
On February 22, the Jr. NBA Draft event will occur, allowing young athletes to have a unique experience akin to what professional players feel during the NBA Draft, showcasing talent and the excitement of possibly entering broader basketball circles.
Finally, the weekend will wrap up with minibasket events on February 23, involving younger participants showcasing their skills, fostering the spirit of camaraderie and competition through basketball.
“Grazie ad un evento di tale portata, non solo il basket, ma anche l’intera città e la comunità calabrese saranno protagonisti di una grande festa dello sport,” concluded Surace, underscoring the anticipated impact on both local community pride and the development of basketball culture.
The match against Hungary is not just about the outcome—it symbolizes the culmination of hard work, dedication, and passion for basketball, with Italy aiming to leave no stone unturned as they prepare for EuroBasket 2025. With stakes high and excitement at fever pitch, fans and players alike are ready for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the sport’s storied presence within Italy.