By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers has been a success for Italy team so far, and the past week was no exception.
They won both games. First, the Azzurri defeated Netherlands 80-62, and then an astonishing victory over Romania 101-50.
The MVP for Italy throughout the competition, and especially in last two games is Amedeo Della Valle who is averaging 24 points a game ranking him third in Europian Qualifiers.
Della Valle spoke to FIBA on Tuesday, and here are some interesting parts of the talk:
Do you feel like something special is happening for Italian basketball right now?
“For sure, something good is going our way. It’s not just random to win four games in a row. For example, Romania won in Croatia four days ago and then we go to Romania and supposedly before the game, it’s not an easy game but we made it an easy game. The same with the Netherlands because last summer, with a full roster, we struggled to win a friendly game with the Netherlands. We are on a very confident level right now.”
There may be more players available for the next window in June-July. Is this something you welcome?
“Competition is always good, it’s what makes players better. But I’m hungry and all the guys are hungry. I don’t know who’s going to join the team and who’s not. That’s the coach’s job. I think he has the tools to know how to make the right decisions.”
Are you getting better because of this experience?
“Of course. To me, I’m just happy to represent my country and I’m just playing. Sometimes I read that people don’t play for their country and to me, I don’t know how that happens.”
When you go back to your club, do you feel tired or refreshed?
“I feel right now I’m going back energized. I’ve just had two wins and am happy to go back and try to get some achievements with my club. I feel like I’m getting better all the time and not only with the practices with our team but because you play an international game and it’s never easy.”
What can you say about the ‘tiro ignoranti’ you made at the end against Romania on Monday.
“It means like ignorant shot, crazy shot.”
Are you the master of it?
“No, the master is Gianluca Basile. That was his shot and that’s how it came up. The fact that he played at Reggio Emilia and I play at Reggio Emilia and I hit some crazy shots, they have done this comparison. It’s instinct.”
Do you know Basile?
“Yes, I know him very well and his sister still works for the club, Reggio Emilia. He’s praised me multiple times on my game. He said he loves my game and that I’m really ahead of time compared to what he did and everything. He stressed to me the importance of sacrificing myself for the team and all the words he has said to me have been very important for me, very constructive.”
You remember growing up and watching him?
“Many times for Italy. For example, I remember against Lithuania (Basile made seven three-pointers and scored 31 points in Italy’s 100-91 win in their 2004 Olympic Semi-Final). He had so many good games with the national team, with the clubs. First of all, he’s a winner. That makes a big difference.”
Della Valle’s next game is on Saturday when Pallacanestro Reggiana will face Aquila Basket Trento.
Photo credit: FIBA