Olympics at risk, Gianmarco Pozzecco: “Nothing to reproach”

Olympics at Risk

Gianmarco Pozzecco’s Azzurri fail to overcome the Puerto Rico obstacle, surrendering with a score of 80-69 in a Coliseo of great occasions and on the country’s Independence Day. It complicates the road of the’Italbasket, which will have to face Lithuania in an inside-out that it was hoped could arrive as late as possible.

Coach Kazyz Maksvytis’s team racked up the spoils by beating Mexico 96-84 on the first day after 25 minutes of balance and then Ivory Coast 97-93 in the final sprint after a comeback in the last 10 minutes. The match between the Azzurri and green-and-whites will be played on Saturday, July 6 at 10 p.m. Italian time.

"Our opponents deserved to win and I have nothing to reproach my boys, who showed their usual attitude and commitment. We did not turn the ball over as we usually do and in some moments we were a bit’ too hasty missing some open shots. Then Puerto Rico, with Alvarado and Clavell, put up incredible three-point shots" said Pozzecco.

"Now we want to win the semifinal against Lithuania, a great team, and come back to play again against Puerto Rico" added the national team coach.