Shocking words from Italy basketball coach 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 dressing down has been served. The unexpected defeat against the Dominican Republic , which included the expulsion of coach Pozzecco, who was "reprimanded" by the federation president Gianni Petrucci himself for his accusations against the referees, is now a bad memory. The goal of advancing to the second phase of the World Cup, which allows for the pre-Olympic tournament, 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 against all types of attacks and criticism: "Attack me, but don't touch my players. Statistics say we've won 11 of our last 12 games. I love President Petrucci like a son, and I dedicate this victory to him. And I have a sensational staff ," were the coach's passionate words.
"I love my players ," he said, "but sometimes I make mistakes with them. Tonut played a sensational match, and I was angry with him. I have to apologize. This was a difficult group. We went to the pre-Olympic tournament and raised the bar, and the boys were extraordinary."
"My president said something wise: I wanted to throw myself from the 37th floor in the hotel, but the windows were closed and there was always someone with me to prevent me from doing anything stupid. That's just how I am and I'll never change ," he added after being criticized by president Gianni Petrucci for the accusations leveled at the referees.
"But let's not talk about me. These guys were wonderful ," Poz emphasized once again, more confident than ever in his group's strength. Two wins in the second round don't guarantee first place, so it's unlikely they'll be easy to avoid the United States in the first knockout match. There's still a long way to go before facing Banchero and his teammates. But Poz has faith in a team that, as he reiterated on the eve of the World Championships, can win or lose against anyone.
