Italy, Stefano Tonut bluntly on the loss to USA

Stephen Tonut’s words after the knockout with the USA

After the heavy loss to USA 100-63, Olimpia Milano’s outside player Stefano Tonut wanted to bluntly analyze the Azzurri’s performance during the game that was valid for the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals. In addition, the Azzurro dwelt on the goals to be pursued for this World Cup finale, which will see Italbasket face Latvia for fifth place.

"It's been difficult for the whole team. We were good the first few minutes and after that they managed to impose their game, while we failed to execute the game plan we had prepared. I also add that pinch of bad luck that in these competitions makes a difference, as we coming first caught them losing the day before to Lithuania. Unfortunately, in recent years, luck has not è been on our side. At the European Championships, for example, we lost to France in the last seconds and even there; we could have aimed for a medal" began the Blue outfielder as reported by 'Sportando'.

"They were exemplary, because they played their game for the whole 40' when some thought they would underestimate us. They scored everything, they played well and we failed to react especially from the mental point of view" continued the 1993 class basketball player.

"We console ourselves with the fact that we are among the best eight in the world and at the beginning nobody expected it. We were convinced of our means, which eventually brought us this far. We could have done better, but we came out with a team that will probably win the gold or silver. Now, as Melli said, we will continue to work hard to try to get here again next year"  added the Olimpia Milano guard.

"It's hard to find stimulation in playing games that matter relatively little after you have lost such an important competition. One of the stimuli will be to try to be higher in the FIBA Ranking and finish at the top for Gigi. To have the last two games with the national team jersey and to have the chance to celebrate this retirement è a very important stimulus. I want to make sure that his farewell to basketball happens in the best possible way" commented Stefano Tonut about Gigi Datome’s retirement.