By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Rumors linking Gianmarco Pozzecco to Panathinaikos have yet to shape an official offer but were met with a reaction from FIP, the Italian Basketball Federation.
Pozzecco, 50, is currently employed by FIP as the head coach of the senior national team.
“Now everything is in Pozzecco’s hands and the decision is up to him alone,” federation president Gianni Petrucci explained to La Stampa, “I cannot block, in the name of a single contract and the relationship that has been created between us, a legitimate aspiration of him.”
Last summer, the Italian mastermind parted ways with AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan to focus on the Azzurri. Guiding Italy in the 2022 edition of EuroBasket, his side reached the Quarterfinals and was knocked out by France in overtime.
“The only condition is that we don’t talk about the market during the activity of the national team,” added Petrucci on seeking a replacement only after the potential departure of Pozzecco.
Italy has already clinched a berth in the 2023 FIBA World Cup through Group L of the European Qualifiers. Next week’s international window features a home game against Ukraine on 23 February and an away game versus Spain three days later, but moving on to compete in this summer’s tournament to be held across Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines is guaranteed.
As for Panathinaikos, the team based in Athens has denied rumors about approaching Pozzecco and presenting him with an offer to take over the head coaching responsibilities. Inking a two-year contract last summer, Dejan Radonjic has been guiding the Greens through the 2022-23 edition of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and domestic competitions.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL