The Italians arrived in large numbers, bringing their pitchforks, for Italy’s highly anticipated quarterfinal clash against Paolo Banchero and Team USA in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
After both teams’ national anthems were sung, Italian fans gathered behind Team USA’s bench, unfurling a banner that labeled Banchero as Pinocchio. Following this statement, they returned to Italy’s side to passionately support their team and taunt Banchero, even resorting to using expletives.
Banchero, whose father Mario has Italian heritage, initially expressed his intention to represent the Azzurri before ultimately choosing Team USA just two months before the tournament.
Despite enduring jeers from the opposing crowd, Banchero had the last laugh as Team USA handed Italy a resounding 37-point defeat with a final score of 100-63. The game’s highlight came when Banchero caught an emphatic alley-oop from Tyrese Haliburton to close out the third quarter.
The former Duke star contributed eight points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block in 24 minutes and 45 seconds of play.
“It was very fun getting out there, playing in a high competitive quarterfinal game. I’m happy we got the win and we get to move on to the semifinals,” said Banchero after the team’s bounce back victory following a shocking loss to Lithuania in the second round two days ago.
“I thought he was gonna throw it off the backboard. So he went between his legs and kinda threw up my timing. I wanted to do a fancy dunk off the backboard but he threw it between his legs so I just wanna finish it,” he continued.
The victory earned the Americans a spot in the semifinals, where they will face either Germany or Latvia.
“It happens naturally. The basketball’s only gonna get tougher. We got one of two great teams coming up and whoever we play is gonna be a great match-up and we’ll be excited, we’ll be ready to go.”
