By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Guiding Italy to the 2022 EuroBasket Quarterfinals and ‘the way he coaches the boys’ retained Gianmarco Pozzecco as the head coach of the national team.
Italian Basketball Federation president Gianni Petrucci intends to keep Pozzecco in charge as the next international tournaments, the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympic Games, emerge as potential destinations.
“The performance of the team and the enthusiasm generated are certainly positive,” he summed up 2022 EuroBasket talking to Corriere dello Sport, “Unfortunately, a bit of bitterness remains from the outcome of the game against France, but we can’t blame any player or member of the coaching staff. Sometimes, the team deserving the win falls short. We must continue on this path. I must acknowledge coach [Romeo] Sacchetti for paving the way, Pozzecco took over from there in the best way.”
Pozzecco, 49, was named Italy’s senior national team selector in June, replacing Meo Sacchetti.
“Do I confirm that? Of course, 100%!” added Petrucci regarding Pozzecco retaining his current role, “Because he has really convinced me with the way he coaches the boys.”
Moving on from EuroBasket and being knocked out by France in an overtime thriller, Azzurri will resume action in Group L of the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers. Standing at 5-1, two games safe into the three seeds leading to the final stage of the World Cup, Italy will host Spain and visit Georgia in the November international window, and host Ukraine and visit Spain in February.
The 2023 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia next summer. The final standings will determine which teams will compete in the 2024 Olympic Games and which get a second chance in the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL