By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Italy struggled against Angola but eventually prevailed on the opening day of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco spoke to the press in the conference after the match and, as always, did his best to make it special.
He pledged a different approach for the upcoming matches against the Dominican Republic and the hosts, the Philippines, and then directed a message to the famous Filipino boxer, Manny Pacquiao.
“Where is Manny Pacquiao? Why didn’t he come? Is he afraid of me? I was his big fan when he fought Mayweather, and I was so sad, but okay. Tell him to call me; we’ve got a match, I’ll be waiting in my room,” Pozzecco quipped, eliciting laughter from everyone at the press conference. He then stood up and exited, only to be invited back to answer questions in Italian.
Find the mentioned moment of the press conference in the video below, starting from the 18th-minute mark.
The Dominican Republic is up next for Italy in Round 2 of the first stage at the World Cup, but head coach Pozzecco might have another match on his hands before that. Now it’s up to Pacquiao.
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Photo: fiba.basketball