Darius Thompson, the ‘Poz’ clarifies the situation

Darius Thompson, the Poz clarifies the situation.

Neither Paolo Banchero nor Darius Thompson. “Darius Thompson will not take part in this summer’s national team activities. The paperwork for obtaining his Italian passport is not yet completed. At the end of the month, then, Thompson will become a father and therefore could not have been available for the first part of the gathering anyway. Given the importance of the commitment that awaits us, it is crucial for me, my staff and the guys to work from day one with the certainty of having everyone fully available for the World Championship,” clarified National Team coach Gianmarco Pozzecco.

On August 17 the departure for Asia with a stop in Shenzhen China for the last two friendlies before the World Cup debut. August 20 against Brazil (9 a.m. Italian time) and August 21 against New Zealand (11:30 a.m. Italian time).

On Aug. 25 the rainbow opener against Angola (10 a.m.) in Manila’s spectacular Philippine Arena, a 55,000-seat facility. On the second day the Azzurri will take on the Dominican Republic (10 a.m., Araneta Coliseum) and on the third day the hosts Philippines (2 p.m., Araneta Coliseum).