Italy, Gigi Datome back but Danilo Gallinari goes down

Italbasket, the situation

The Azzurro Grand Tour continues in preparation for the 2023 World Cup qualifying competitions and EuroBasket 2022. After the two friendlies against France in Bologna and Montpellier, the Azzurri moved to Germany yesterday where they will face Supercup competitions at the Barclays Arena in Hamburg on Friday and Saturday.

It begins Friday, Aug. 19, with the semifinal against Serbia (6 p.m., live on Sky Sport Action). The following day Italy will face one of Germany or the Czech Republic (4 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., live Sky Sport), who will play the second semifinal tomorrow at 8:30 p.m.

Out against the Serbs is Danilo Gallinari, who suffered a sprained right ankle injury during the Montpellier game against France. Captain Gigi Datome is back available.

Thus CT Gianmarco Pozzecco: “The truth is that there are monstrous teams around like France, Serbia, Slovenia or Greece. I confirm what Goran Dragic said a few days ago, which is that the next one will be a stellar European Championship with many players of the highest level. Just think of Serbia, which we will face tomorrow even without Gallinari, who has the NBA MVP and the Euroleague MVP on the roster. We will have to have great mental strength to withstand these rhythms and against teams with long and competitive rosters.”