European Championships: Datome waits for Gallinari and dreams of a medal

The European Basketball Championships begin on August 27. L’Italy is placed in Group C, along with Greece, Spain, Bosnia, Georgia and Cyprus. The top four qualify for the round of 16. The Azzurri have much bigger dreams than passing to the round of 16. The desire is to try to get on the podium.

There is hope for Datome who, after retiring, now has a chance to try to win that medal that has always eluded him on the national team. He will try as a manager, putting all his experience at the disposal of the group coached by Coach Pozzecco.

“Italy on the podium? Why not. It is my dream, I hope for it. I couldn’t do it as a player, although with France, Germany, Serbia, Greece, Lithuania, Turkey, Spain, Latvia and Slovenia how do you keep one out? But it is still true that the goal is to be there, ready to seize the opportunity, as the girls did with the bronze”, his clear words to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Although Italy had to give up several elements, including NBA ace DiVincenzo and prospect Sarr, the group is of a high level. Among other things, veteran Gallinari (he is playing in the Puerto Rican championship finals) will arrive shortly. The Rooster could also be present on Thursday in the test against Argentina, scheduled in Bologna.