BOCAUE – World No. 10 Italy managed to secure an 81-67 victory over 41st-ranked Angola during their opening game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 at the Philippine Arena.
Leading the charge was Utah Jazz standout Simone Fontecchio, who recorded 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting. He also contributed three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block. Stefano Tonut added 18 points and two assists, aiding Italy’s triumphant start in Group A.
Following a seesaw battle with Angola throughout the first three quarters, the Azzuri finally created a significant gap in the final period. Fontecchio and Tonut sank consecutive baskets, granting Italy a 79-67 lead with less than two minutes left.
Although Italy entered the fourth quarter with just a four-point advantage, they managed to extend the margin to seven points (67-60) thanks to Giampaolo Ricci’s four points in a 6-0 run for the Azzuri.
Italy’s head coach Gianmarco Pozzeco praised Angola’s performance, saying, “First of all, I have to congratulate coach (Pep) Claros and all of his staff and players. They played a real game… This is from the depths of my heart because they really played a good game tactically with emotion.”
He continued, “Second, I have to apologize to my players because I was completely under stress. I support them. I was negative and they felt that so I really want to apologize to them but… definitely they did what they had to do.”
Ricci contributed 12 points, three rebounds, two blocks, and a steal, while Nicolo Melli and Achille Polonara each contributed seven points for Italy.
Italy’s next match is against the Dominican Republic on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
On the opposing side, Childe Dundao led the Time Nacional with a team-high 19 points, three assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Bruno Fernando, who plays for the Houston Rockets, was limited to 13 points and five rebounds.
Angola will seek to rebound against Gilas Pilipinas also on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. at the same venue.
The Scores:
Italy (81) – Fontecchio 19, Tonut 18, Ricci 12, Melli 7, Polonara 7, Spissu 5, Datome 4, Pajola 4, Severini 3, Procida 2, Spagnolo 0.
Angola (67) – Dundao 19, Fernando 13, Goncalves 7, Bango 6, Monteiro 6, De Sousa 4, Domingos 4, Francisco 3, Paulo 3, Kokila 2, Fernandes 0, Maconda 0.
Quarterscores: 23-17, 43-40, 61-57, 81-67
