Amedeo Della Valle in action (photo ANSA)
BEIJING – Winning debut for Italy at the basketball world cup in China . All easy enough for Meo Sacchetti's team against the Philippines, beaten with a 108-62 wide in a match dominated from the first minute, in which the Azzurri, especially in the first 20 ', showed that they know how to defend with character and attack by doing turn the ball well. The opponent was certainly not the most convincing, but a victory at the first round of the World Championship, re-embraced after 13 years, is certainly a good confidence boost for the next races. (
For the Italbasket the 46 points of difference are the largest victory ever in a World Cup game, also thanks to the 15 triple goals. Datome and Della Valle were the best scorers with 17 points, Gallinari made it to the scoresheet 16. The Italians' next engagement is on Monday at 9.30am Italian against Angola scrambled by Serbia: a victory would be worth for access to the pre-Olympic tournament.
Simple on paper but not to underestimate the first world appointment for coach Sacchetti's boys, who enter the field with the right attitude and begin to lay down the law on both sides of the field. The 37-8 of the first quarter with 15/18 in the shot (9/10 from 2 and 6/8 from 3), is immediately synonymous with the first success of the group. titular quintet devastating with Belinelli, Biligha, Datome, Gallinari and Hackett to give a show, after which coach botanicals open to the numerous rotations above all to experiment the second lines (excellent approach of Gentile, well Del Valle).
The interpreters change but not the result, although the Philippines find some extra basket thanks to a whole heart and pride Perez (ups and downs instead for the 'star' Andray Blatche). At the interval the scoreboard says 62-24 for Italy with a 14-point Gallinari. At the beginning of the second half, the Azzurri start off slightly less concentrated, obviously without serious consequences but the offensive quality and defensive solidity seem to fall. However, Italy is further extending its advantage thanks to two triples in a row by Amedeo Della Valle, ending the third quarter on 86-39. in the last 10 minutes so much space still to the second lines for coach pouches, which do not disdain at all and increase the result until the final 108-62. (source AGI)
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Source: Blitz Quotidiano