Shocking phrase from the coach ofItaly of the basket Gianmarco Pozzecco, after the victory over the Philippines which guaranteed the Azzurri access to the second phase of the World Cup: “After the defeat against the Dominican Republic – said Pozzecco – I tried to open the window of my hotel, on the 37th floor, and throw myself out. But I couldn't do it."
The 'scolding' is served. The unexpected somersault against the Dominican Republic, with the expulsion of coach Pozzecco, 'scolded' by the federal president himself Gianni Petrucci for his accusations to the referees, ends up becoming a bad memory. The goal of access to the second phase of the World Cup, the one that allows the pre-Olympic tournament to be played, has been achieved.
Italy – wounded in their pride – got back up and with a performance in which they showed concentration and attention in the delicate phases of the match, they defeated the hosts of the Philippines in the Manila basin by 90-83, only allowing their opponents to get back within the score in the final without ever taking too many risks.
With five minutes to go, the Azzurri completely turned off the lights, allowing the Philippines to build a partial of over 12 points. 'Poz's team had in fact closed the accounts in the last quarter, before suffering a small comeback by the Asians that nevertheless served to reduce the gap.
But beyond the score of just seven points that could have been larger, we saw a more confident Italy, and precise especially in the three-point shot (17/41) without falling into hysteria and worrying blackouts, those that determined the ko with the Dominican Republic. Italy, dragged by the usual Fontecchio (18 points and best Italian scorer), therefore closes the first phase with two victories and a defeat and now can no longer make mistakes. In the second phase, where the Azzurri will face Serbia and probably Puerto Rico, in fact no missteps.
Coach Pozzecco knows this well, aware of the strength of his team, which he defends from every type of attack and criticism: “Attack me, but don’t touch my players. Statistics say we’ve won 11 of the last 12 games. I love President Petrucci like a son, I dedicate this victory to him. And I have a sensational staff”, were the passionate words of the coach.
“I love my players – he specified – mevery now and then I make mistakes with them. Tonut played a sensational match and I got angry with him, I have to apologize. This was a difficult group, we went to the pre-Olympic and raised the bar and the boys were extraordinary”.
“My president said something wise, in the hotel I wanted to throw myself from the 37th floor but the windows were closed and there was always someone with me to prevent me from doing anything stupid. That's how I am and I will never change”, he added after the reprimand from president Gianni Petrucci for the accusations leveled at the referees.
“But let’s not talk about me. These guys were wonderful.”, wanted to emphasize once again the 'Poz', more convinced than ever of the strength of his group. Two victories in the second phase do not guarantee first place and therefore it will not be easy at all to avoid the United States in the first knockout match. Before facing Banchero and his teammates there is still a long way to go. But Poz has faith in a team that, as he repeated on the eve of the world championship, can win or lose against anyone.
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