Italy is growing and is increasingly edging closer to the Eurobasket Round of 16. In Limassol, the Azzurri defeated Bosnia 96-79, securing their second consecutive victory after defeating Georgia. This victory was the work of a number of key players: Simone Fontecchio, who scored a devastating 39 points (an all-time record for an Italian in the continental tournament), naturalized player Darius Thompson, and Marco Spissu, who finally shined and made a decisive impact after two mixed results.
The match report says it wasn't an easy ride at all. Bosnia immediately brought the physicality of NBA giant Jusuf Nurkic to the table, stinging the rebounds and forcing the Azzurri defense into more than a few slumps . In the first half, Fontecchio kept the team afloat with three-pointers and drives (21 points already at halftime), but the Azzurri conceded too much on defense and the score remained in the balance.
The turning point came after Gianmarco Pozzecco was ejected and given two technicals : an incident that could have turned the game around, but instead sparked a reaction. With the two-point guards on the court, Melli and his teammates changed the pace: Thompson brought energy and consistency, Spissu lit the fuse with a powerful basket, and then took control of the team's rhythm, finishing with 14 points and five solid assists.
From then on, the game changed: Fontecchio continued to strike, Melli and Ricci added valuable points, and the defense took the Bosnians' breath away. Italy carved out a decisive gap between the end of the third quarter and the start of the final , soaring to a 19-point lead and closing out the game safely.
A win that weighs heavily on the standings and the team's spirit: Fontecchio continues to be a driving force, but Spissu's growth and the group's widespread contribution suggest a more solid national team. Tuesday at 8:30 pm brings another high-level test: Sergio Scariolo's Spain , a match that could significantly shape the team's European campaign.
Bosnia Herzegovina-Italy 79-96 Bosnia Herzegovina: Nurkic 21, Roberson 13, Alibegovic 12, Arslanagic ne, Atic 10, Halilovic ne, Gegic 9, Penava, Lazic 5, Hrelja ne, Vrabac 4, Kamenjas 5. Coach Bekir : Gallinari 1, Melli 6, Fontecchio 39, Thompson 14, Ricci 5, Spagnolo, Procida ne, Niang 3, Spissu 14, Diouf 8, Akele, Pajola 6. Coach Pozzecco : 21-22; 40-44; 61-72
