It is without Simone Fontecchio that Italy presents itself for this first classification match but it is indeed the “Squadra azzura” which starts very strongly behind a boiling Luigi Datome, who scores 11 points in the first quarter. to allow his team to take control (26-18) after ten minutes.
Luca Banchi’s men, strong in their certainties acquired throughout the competition, do not however panic. They set up their collective game, with a nice alternation between outside shots and shots near the circle. Above all, they increase the level of physical intensity, contesting all moves and hitting their opponents as much as possible. Enough to allow them to regain control of the game.
Passed to +4 (46-42) at half-time, the Latvians are even at +14 in the third quarter (58-44) but Italy finds resources, in particular thanks to Nicolo Melli, to return to the game.
Latvia accelerated again in the fourth quarter, notably following a 3-pointer from Davis Bertans, although not fantastic in this match, to return to +12 (74-62) on an offensive rebound from Aigars Skele, but Marco Spissu pulls away to try the hold-up, with a 3-point that puts his team to one possession (84-82)…
We are in the last minute and the feat is possible for Italy but it is Andrejs Grazulis, the man of the match on the Latvian side as he was lethal (28 points at 12/13 shooting), who showers the last transalpine hopes.
Latvia’s formidable World Cup continues with this new victory (87-82), which allows the Baltic country to play for fifth place. It will be Saturday, against the winner of the match between Lithuania and Slovenia. For its part, Italy will play for seventh place, facing the loser.
Highlights and stats to come…
