Italbasket to scream, first historic win in Lithuania

Splendid Italy in Klaipeda: the Azzurri beat Lithuania (81-82) for the first time in history at home in an official game and seize a very heavy success on the way to World Cup qualification. A victory made up of concentration and determination for all 40 minutes that, combined with Great Britain’s victory in Iceland, brings all four teams to equal points with one win and one loss each at the end of the first “window.” Best scorer of the night Gabriele Procida, who touched up his career high in the national team by putting up 24 points and surpassing Tortona’s 16. More than decisive were his 18 points in 7 minutes in the last quarter of the match. Also in double figures were Stefano Tonut (16) and Nico Mannion (15). First national points for Luigi Suigo.

Before the start of the game, the Lithuanian Federation greeted Achille Polonara by showing his photo on the big screen. The Azzurri will return to the court in 2026 for the back-to-back against Great Britain, which is expected to be decisive on the way to qualifying for the rainbow. First match in the UK on Feb. 27 (venue to be determined) and return on March 2 at the Modigliani Forum in Livorno. The round will close with the third “window” scheduled for July 2 (Iceland-Italy, venue to be determined) and July 5 (Italy-Lithuania, venue to be determined). Euphoric FIP President Giovanni Petrucci: “A great victory obtained by a young team that has a bright future. They had given us away too early. The round is particularly complicated but we are there.”

Satisfied also coach Luca Banchi: “Tonight we won a victory against a great team. We are happy with the result and how it matured, that is, with personality and group unity. We found mental and technical resources in the most difficult moments by playing well on defense and managing the last possessions in the best way. The best way to continue building something good”. He was echoed by Gabriele Procida: “I am very happy for the boys and for coach Banchi, in his first win as CT of the National Team. I personally enjoyed being in a group with all the teammates this week, on and off the court. Tonight we fought until the end on a difficult court and against a high-level opponent”.