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Sports
20 February 2025

Italy's National Team Eyes Eurobasket 2025 Glory

A few key matches against Turkey and Hungary will determine Italy's final ranking.

The Italian National Basketball Team is gearing up for the final stages of the Eurobasket 2025 qualifiers, facing off against Turkey and Hungary this month. With both teams already qualified for the prestigious tournament, these matches are all about asserting dominance with the aim of finishing at the top of Group B.

The upcoming clash against Turkey, scheduled for February 20, 2025, at Istanbul's highly charged arena, carries significant weight for both squads. Despite already securing their spots at Eurobasket 2025, both teams are eager to clinch the first position as it affords greater advantages moving forward. If Italy emerges victorious, they will need only to confirm this position during their final scheduled match against Hungary.

On the other hand, the Turkish side—looking for redemption after the 87-80 defeat against Italy earlier—needs to win by at least eight points to overturn Italy's earlier result. This pressure adds to the excitement, making the game not just a battle for supremacy but also for national pride.

Coverage of the political significance and emotional weight of the match shouldn't be overlooked either. Basketball serves as more than just sport; it's a reflection of national identity and passion. According to Gianmarco Pozzecco, the head coach of the Italian team, "The match against Turkey is important for securing our position," emphasizing the need for cohesion and focus within the squad.

Italy's final showdown will take place on February 23, 2025, against Hungary, at PalaCalafiore in Reggio Calabria. This event marks over 20 years since the last time the Italian squad played there—an occasion steeped in history as it was just before launching their successful run to win silver at the Athenian Olympics. The significance of this return is palpable, as players and fans alike once again embrace the jubilance of home support.
"We look forward to having the home crowd support against Hungary," shares Pozzecco, hinting at the historical ties and fans' anticipatory energy.

The Italian squad has had notable performances during the qualification phase, achieving decisive wins along the way—82-62 against Hungary and 95-71 against Iceland position them well for their final games. Their recent victory over Turkey showcased their tactical finesse and determination, and they are now set to expand on this momentum.

Looking at the lineup for these matches, Pozzecco has summoned 16 players to tackle the challenges presented. This diverse roster includes the likes of Dame Sarr from Barcelona and Matteo Spagnolo from Alba Berlin, reflecting the depth and talent of the Italian basketball system. Such talented athletes provide the necessary firepower to strive for dominance on the court.

Fans can catch the intense action of the upcoming fixtures through various channels. Matches will be broadcast live via Sky Sport and available for streaming on platforms like DAZN, ensuring supporters don't miss out on these pivotal encounters.

Italy's pursuit of excellence within the Eurobasket framework speaks to its enduring basketball legacy. With every dribble, pass, and shot taken during these last qualifier matches, they’ll be writing another chapter of their sports narrative—one filled with heart, heritage, and hope. The path they forge now will set the tone for their aspirations at Eurobasket 2025, taking place from August 27 to September 14 across several European venues including Cyprus, Finland, Latvia, and Poland.

All eyes will be on these final games as Italy seeks not only victory but also the confidence and momentum needed going forward. With the fate of the group stage at stake, February promises to be thrilling for the Italian National Basketball Team and its fervent fans.