A feat of the Azzurri who eliminate the favorite Serbia after a wonderful match: 94-86. And now Italy will challenge the other favorite of the Europeans, France, in the quarters. In the coup on German soil there is the record performance of Marco Spissu who closes with 22 points but above all with three triples turned the inertia of the race in the third quarter and also closes with 6 assists. All after the expulsion of his coach Gianmarco Pozzecco for the second technician for protests.
A triumph that recalls that of a year ago for the qualifiers for the Tokyo Olympics. Even higher if we consider the presence among the Serbs of Jokic, MVP of the NBA, who scored 32 points and captured 13 rebounds.
Italy started well (7-4) but then took a 12-0 break from Serbia (play Micic was also excellent) who directed the game. Azzurri at -14 in the 14th minute, but an extraordinary Melli (21 points) held up the cabin and with Fontecchio (19) kept the team in the running.
Upon returning to the field, Italy played very well, Pozzecco protested for some calls and after his exit (team entrusted to Casalone as was the case in Sassari) Spissu was unleashed with three triples that led to overtaking.
In the last fraction, the Azzurri were very excited also in defense: Spissu and Polonara (16 points) scored two bombs each and Italy gained +12 in the 35th minute that they managed to defend until the end.
