MILAN – The Italian National Basketball Team, affectionately known as the Azzurri, is charting its course for EuroBasket 2025. Head Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco has unveiled the roster for the upcoming training camp, signaling the commencement of a rigorous preparation period aimed at forging a competitive squad. The list blends seasoned professionals with promising talents, including a particularly moving and symbolic inclusion that underscores the team’s spirit and resilience.
A Roster of Intent and Heart
Coach Pozzecco`s selections for the training camp, scheduled for July 23-31, 2025, in Folgaria, reflect a strategic vision. The roster features key figures such as Simone Fontecchio, whose impressive NBA tenure has sharpened his offensive prowess, and veteran forward Danilo Gallinari, set to join the squad after fulfilling his club commitments in Puerto Rico. Both players are expected to be cornerstones of the team`s strategy, offering a potent blend of scoring and experience.
Perhaps the most significant, and certainly the most heartfelt, inclusion is that of Achille Polonara. The Virtus Bologna forward, currently undergoing treatment for myeloid leukemia, has been called up by Pozzecco not as an active player, but as a symbolic gesture of unity and hope. While unable to participate in the camp, Polonara remains, in the coach`s words, “an integral part of the Azzurri group.” This act transcends mere sportsmanship, serving as a powerful reminder of resilience and collective support within the team. One might even suggest it`s a strategic masterstroke in team building, leveraging emotion for cohesion.
New Faces and Strategic Additions
Adding another layer of intrigue is the invitation extended to newly naturalized guard Donte DiVincenzo. Known for his tenacious defense and versatile offensive game, DiVincenzo is expected to join the training sessions from July 30. His potential integration could provide a significant boost to Italy`s backcourt depth and athleticism, a valuable asset in the demanding international landscape.
Furthermore, guard Darius Thompson has also expressed his readiness to wear the national team jersey when the opportunity arises, indicating Pozzecco`s ongoing efforts to broaden the talent pool and secure commitments from top-tier players with Italian ties. Such strategic naturalizations are a common play in international basketball, aiming to stack the deck with the best available talent, regardless of birthplace.
Key Players Called to Camp:
- Simone Fontecchio: NBA talent, expected to be a primary scorer.
- Danilo Gallinari: Veteran leadership and offensive firepower.
- Achille Polonara: Symbolic inclusion, embodying team spirit and resilience.
- Donte DiVincenzo: Newly naturalized guard, enhancing backcourt versatility.
- Nicolò Melli: Pivotal big man providing defense and rebounding.
- Alessandro Pajola: Energetic guard, strong on defense.
- And a comprehensive list of other talented athletes shaping the future of Italian basketball.
The Road to Limassol: A Gauntlet of Friendlies
The training camp in Folgaria is merely the prelude to a series of high-stakes friendly matches designed to fine-tune the team`s chemistry and tactical execution. The Azzurri will participate in the Trentino Basket Cup from August 2-3, facing Iceland before a second matchup against either Poland or Senegal.
The preparatory schedule continues with a compelling clash against Latvia, coached by the esteemed Luca Banchi, on August 9 in Trieste. A particularly nostalgic fixture awaits on August 14 in Bologna, where Italy will rekindle an old rivalry against Argentina. This will be their first encounter since the memorable 2004 Athens Olympic final – a game that still resonates in basketball lore, serving as a benchmark for what once was and what could be again. The preparation culminates in the traditional Acropolis Tournament in Athens, where Italy will once again face Latvia on August 21, followed by a showdown with host nation Greece on August 22.
EuroBasket 2025: The Ultimate Test
The culmination of these intensive preparations will be the EuroBasket 2025 group stage in Limassol, Cyprus. Italy`s campaign is set to begin on August 28 with a challenging opening game against Greece at 8:30 PM local time. The journey promises to be demanding, requiring peak performance and unwavering unity from Pozzecco`s men. The symbolic gesture for Polonara, combined with the strategic additions and rigorous schedule, paints a picture of a team ready to confront the challenges ahead with both skill and heart.
As the Azzurri embark on this crucial phase, the eyes of the basketball world, particularly in Italy, will be firmly fixed on their progress. The blend of talent, resilience, and tactical preparation sets the stage for what promises to be an engaging and competitive EuroBasket campaign. Only time will tell if this carefully constructed mosaic of players and spirit can translate into success on the grand European stage.
