” We must not relive such an episode […], we have a reputation to uphold. So said the president of the Italian federation, Gianni Petrucci, who had little taste of the defeat of his selection against the Dominican Republic. A setback, not necessarily expected, badly digested in the country. But the Italians have reacted well since.
After their qualifying victory for the second phase against the Philippines, they continued with an equally important success against Serbia. Enough to close a few mouths that would have opened them “too much”…
” Yesterday too, our confidence was at its height. And what you don’t understand is that you (note: the media) write nonsense », dropped Nicolo Melli targeting the local press.
” They ask us if we have nightmares. We don’t have nightmares. We are good together and, of course, we remained united even after the defeat against the Dominican Republic “, Continues the interior, best rebounder of his formation (6 rebounds on average with his 8 points).
” You don’t understand the value of this group. We are always good together. Clearly, after this defeat, we were bitter for letting our fate slip away from us. But our confidence is still high. Our trainer (Editor’s note: Gianmarco Pozzecco) gives us a lot of confidence. Obviously winning helps, and that’s always nicer, but we were fine even after the Dominican Republic “, insists the 32-year-old player, passed by the Pelicans and the Mavs.
A good way to get away from the noise outside as Italy will qualify for the quarter-finals tomorrow against Puerto Rico, to get out of a group I in which the four teams have the same record…