By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Following Tuesday’s win against Romania, Italy emerged victorious in the second and final day of the Trentino Cup as well. Meo Sachetti’s side beat Ivory Coast, 69-58, to capture first place in the tournament that provided the Italians with their first taste of action in the preparation stage for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Alessandro Gentile led the way by sinking 22 points including 14 in the first half to earn Trentino Cup MVP honors. “Our legs are heavy, but we displayed some moments of good basketball” the 26-year-old swingman mentioned after the game, per the Italian Basketball Federation.
Daniel Hackett added 13 points in the final. “We will continue to work, especially in defense. Tonight we granted some unnecessary opportunities to our opponents” the 31-year-old point guard said.
Sacchetti, 65, pointed out: “We took another step forward. Ivory Coast was more physical than Romania,” and also took out: “I saw some positives, but we made too many turnovers. We still have elements of our game to improve.”
Up next for Italy on the path to China is the Verona Tournament set to take place between August 8th and August 10th with Marco Belinelli and Danilo Gallinari expected to be inserted into the squad. Russia, Senegal and Venezuela are the other participants of the three-day friendly competition.
In the Trentino Cup third place game, Switzerland defeated Romania, 86-66.