By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Iran tested Spain, and coach Sergio Scariolo wants his players to be more than ready for the game against Italy.
Scariolo, the long-time coach of the Spanish national team who is also Italian, explained: “Italy is a team of our level, and we have to be one hundred percent to beat them. Just 90% it will not be enough because Italy has great players and an excellent backcourt”.
However, the fact that the game against Iran was not easy can benefit Spain. As Scariolo said: “This is a game that can serve us for the future, even if I hoped to start it better, but this is how it went. Now we have to rest some players and start preparing the game against Italy”.
Considering that Spain will also face Serbia in the second round, Scariolo wants his players to step up. “It’s the moment of leaders and players with experience, talent and the habit of playing this kind of games,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rudy Fernandez is injured, but he is expected to play against Italy.