As the summer heat intensifies, so does the anticipation for EuroBasket 2025. Gianmarco Pozzecco, the charismatic head coach of the Italian men`s national basketball team, the Azzurri, has unveiled his preliminary squad. This roster, a mix of established NBA talent and promising domestic stars, is set to converge for a crucial training camp, marking the official commencement of their quest for continental glory. Yet, amidst the strategic selections and rigorous preparations, one particular name on the list resonates deeply, highlighting the profound human element interwoven with elite sports.
The Roster Takes Shape: Familiar Faces and New Additions
Coach Pozzecco has meticulously assembled a formidable group for the training camp, scheduled from July 23 to 31, 2025, in Folgaria. Among the notable inclusions are fan favorites and key figures who have consistently delivered on the international stage. Simone Fontecchio, fresh from his club commitments, is slated to join the team on July 30, bringing his versatile scoring and defensive prowess. Similarly, the seasoned veteran Danilo Gallinari will link up with his teammates after concluding his club duties in Puerto Rico, ready to provide invaluable experience and offensive firepower.
A significant new face, eagerly anticipated by Italian basketball enthusiasts, is Donte DiVincenzo. Having recently obtained Italian citizenship, DiVincenzo has been invited to integrate with the squad starting July 30. His dynamic playmaking and defensive intensity are expected to add another dimension to the Azzurri`s backcourt, surely a pleasant headache for Coach Pozzecco, who now has an embarrassment of riches to choose from.
A Symbol of Unyielding Spirit: Achille Polonara`s Courageous Inclusion
Perhaps the most poignant and truly inspiring aspect of Pozzecco`s selections is the inclusion of Achille Polonara. The talented power forward, a crucial member of Virtus Bologna and the national team, was recently diagnosed with myeloid leukemia. While his current health condition understandably precludes him from actively participating in the training camp or the EuroBasket, Coach Pozzecco`s decision to name him among the athletes available is a powerful gesture of solidarity and unwavering team spirit. It underscores the sentiment that Polonara remains an integral part of the Azzurri family, his battle off the court a source of inspiration for his teammates. It`s a testament to the fact that some bonds transcend the hardwood.
Adding to the depth of talent, Darius Thompson has also expressed his desire to don the national jersey when the opportunity arises, further expanding Pozzecco`s pool of skilled players. The full preliminary roster showcases a blend of youth and experience, ready to compete at the highest level:
- Donte DiVincenzo
- Marco Spissu
- Dame Sarr
- Stefano Tonut
- Danilo Gallinari
- Nicolò Melli
- Simone Fontecchio
- Giampaolo Ricci
- Matteo Spagnolo
- Gabriele Procida
- Saliou Niang
- Giordano Bortolani
- Guglielmo Caruso
- Momo Diouf
- Riccardo Rossato
- Luca Severini
- Nikola Akele
- Alessandro Pajola
The Road Ahead: A Grueling Preparation Schedule
The path to EuroBasket 2025 is paved with rigorous training and challenging friendly matches. Following the initial camp in Folgaria, the Azzurri will engage in six exhibition games designed to hone their chemistry and evaluate their performance under pressure. The schedule includes:
- Trentino Basket Cup (August 2-3): Facing Iceland on August 2nd at 8:00 PM, followed by a match against either Poland or Senegal on August 3rd at 7:00 PM.
- Trieste (August 9): A home game against Latvia, coached by Luca Banchi, at 8:00 PM.
- Bologna (PalaDozza, August 14): A highly anticipated clash against Argentina at 8:00 PM, marking their first encounter since the epic 2004 Athens Olympic final. A true test of mettle and a chance for a little historical payback, perhaps.
- Acropolis Tournament (Athens, August 21-22): The traditional pre-EuroBasket tournament will see Italy facing Latvia again on August 21st, followed by a showdown against the host nation, Greece, on August 22nd.
The culmination of this demanding preparation will be the EuroBasket 2025 debut in Limassol, Cyprus, where Italy is placed in Group C. Their opening game is scheduled for August 28th at 8:30 PM against none other than Greece, promising an immediate high-stakes encounter.
A Team Ready for the Challenge
With a blend of established talent, emerging stars, and an undeniable spirit of camaraderie, Coach Pozzecco`s Azzurri are setting their sights on a strong performance at EuroBasket 2025. The journey ahead will test their physical limits and mental fortitude, but with the symbolic presence of a warrior like Achille Polonara inspiring them, this Italian squad seems more united and determined than ever to make their mark on the European basketball landscape.
Elton Marrow