Donte DiVincenzo takes important step toward national team
The chances of seeing Donte DiVincenzo wearing the Italy’s jersey at Eurobasket are growing. The Minnesota Timberwolves basketball player, in fact, has received the go-ahead from the government to be granted Italian citizenship, which would therefore open the door to a call-up for the continental review that will begin next August 27.
Confirming the news is a note from the’Executive: “The Council of Ministers – we read -, at the proposal of Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, having regard to the favorable opinions expressed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani and Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, resolved to propose to the President of the Republic the conferment of Italian citizenship, for special merits, to Mr. DiVincenzo Donte Michael, who is a member of the Italian Parliament. DiVincenzo Donte Michael, professional basketball player, of U.S. nationality, pursuant to Article 9, paragraph 2, of Law No. 91” of February 5, 1992.
Born in Newark, Delaware, on Jan. 31, 1997, to a family of Italian descent, DiVincenzo boasts two NCAA titles on his roster with Villanova University, in 2016 and 2018, and an NBA title won in 2021 with the Milwaukee Bucks. After stints in Sacramento, Golden State, and New York, he has been with the Timberwolves since 2024, with whom he reached the playoffs in the just-completed year, stopping only in the conference finals ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Once his citizenship is finally obtained, it may be possible to think about including DiVincenzo in the talk related to preparation for Eurobasket. The player had already expressed in the past his desire to represent Italy, the European review could be the first important stage in view of two other important goals, the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.
