Madrid, 25 June 2024 – The series ends with a victory friendly of theItalbasket approaching the Puerto Rico Pre-Olympic Tournament scheduled in San Juan from July 2nd. The tricolor team triumphs 84-87 after extra time at the Wizink Center in Madrid against Spain, the outgoing European champion, who will also have to go through the quicksand of qualifying for the next Paris Olympics. In the sixty-eighth match between the two teams, the Italian team demonstrates great ability both in not giving up an inch against an opponent who misses the shot of a possible equalizer in extra time and in demonstrating a cynicism that will prove useful for the purpose of victory. Absent in the home ranks is Lorenzo Brown who joined the rest of his teammates yesterday. Before the ball, Marc Gasol was celebrated as he officially retired after a brilliant career between Spain and the NBA.
Gallinari’s experience, Tonut and Spissu’s triples
The start was all in favor of the Azzurri who took a 5-1 lead with Stefano Tonut before doubling the same advantage with absolute protagonist Niccolò Melli. The Italian captain and new acquisition of Fenerbache scores six personal points that leave a clear mark on the game. Hernangomez finds the three-pointer from the corner that combined with the very comfortable dunk by Garuba completely reopens the game. Ricci with the tap-in re-establishes a four-point gap between the two teams at the sound of the first siren (14-10 at 10′). Brizuela and Gallinari give life to a three-point shot exchange. Pajola’s reverse is worth the temporary +6 (13-19). Spain is not just watching and tries to get back on track with Rudy Fernandez but, above all, with Nunez. The Red Furies manage to get back on track and find the first overtaking with Alex Abrines who punishes from 6.75 meters. Pozzecco’s team seems to feel the blow, slipping to 33-28 under the shots of Willy Hernangomez. Score with which they return to the locker rooms. In the second half, Italy tries to adjust their aim from beyond the arc: Spissu and Petrucelli confirm this, helping to keep their team in the game. On the other side, the roster coached by Sergio Scariolo is reactive in countering every attempt at a comeback by their opponents, who are first pushed back to 54-45, only to then reopen the game with a play of pure experience by Polonara. The fourth period is a tug-of-war between the parties. Tonut takes the stage, a real thorn in the side for the Iberian rearguard. The former Reyer propitiates a 9-0 break with two personal conclusions that overturn the inertia. Italy has to deal with Sergio Llull who manages to coordinate himself from a throw-in and put his feet in place, equalizing the score at 73-73. In extratime the battle continues with Spissu throwing his hands. Italy confident but still punished by the Spanish shooters as in the case of Aldama who repeats himself every few seconds. Gallinari’s two shots from the line will be fundamental in defining the final score which will contribute to greater self-esteem of the group.
