Italy knocks out with Iceland: guests pass in Tortona

The men’s national team’s journey to the FIBA World Cup 2027 began with a defeat. In the first commitment of the first “window” of qualification, in Tortona the Azzurri were defeated 76-81 by Iceland. In the quintet chosen by coach Banchi there are three Under 23s (Casarin, Ferrari and Procida) and together with them two “veterans” of the Maglia Azzurra like Tessitori and Della Valle. It is precisely from the “old guard” that Italy finds the first answers after the initial 5-0 Icelandic lead. Our 12-0 run was completed by Procida and Casarin, who packed a 12-point first quarter and allowed us to stay in a tie with an Iceland able to find depth in the area with the usual Hlinason.

Coach Banchi’s rotations are ample from the start, at the dawn of the second quarter all 12 Azzurri have already seen the court: Fridriksson’s triples propitiate the first tear of the game (21-29), Tessitori brings us closer again and then it is Baldasso who ignites “his” Nova Arena with the 6 points from the arc that are worth the 34-35 at 59″ from the long interval. The third quarter follows the script of the second: Iceland looks for Hlinason and monetizes Fridriksson’s flair, the Azzurri try to turn up the volume of defense and find points from Tessitori and an inspired Casarin. After 5′ the fourth foul by the Reyer’s outside player takes our first offensive terminal off the court but it’s Baldasso’s turn with his third triple of the game to bring us back to a tie at 49. The maximum Icelandic lead comes soon after (51-61), with Gunnarsson closing out Iceland’s 12-2 run (8/17 from the arc for the Scandinavians).

The Nova Arena shakes the Azzurri at the start of the last quarter and celebrates Procida’s triple (61-63).

Tessitori curbs Hlinason, Italy is alive and with the 4-0 scoring by Procida goes back ahead (68-64, 17-3 the partial). Iceland loses lucidity from the arc but does not get rattled: at the last 90 seconds the Azzurri are up +1 (75-74), Fridriksson’s three-point play is worth the outside +1 (76-77) and then it is the same Fridriksson from the lunette to seal the 76-79 with 13″ on the clock. The tying triple is entrusted to Baldasso but it shatters on the iron, it is again Fridriksson from the lunette to close the account (29 points at the end).