Everything was easy for Italbasket in the third match of group B of the 2025 European Championship qualifiers. A Reykjavik the Azzurri won against Iceland 95-71 and remained alone at the top of the group with full points. Italy, despite the many absences for the concurrent Euroleague round, dominated, even reaching a 27 point lead. Apart from a small decline in the third period, in which he suffered a 17-0 run that brought the home team closer to -9, he always had the match in control.
Pozzecco did not return in the second half due to a migraine attack
For coach Pozzecco, who did not return in the second half due to a strong migraine attack (the Azzurri led by deputy Casalone), good responses especially from debutant Grant Basile, top scorer with 19 points, Bortolani (15 points), Akele, who finished with a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, captain Spissu, author of 10 points and 8 assists, and Vitali (10 points and 7 rebounds). The 15 points each from Fridriksson and Hlinason and the 14 scored by Gudmundsson were not enough for Iceland. In 3 days the challenge will be repeated with Italy hosting Iceland in Reggio Emilia. “The coach had a bad headache and wasn’t able to get back on the pitch but he’s fine now – reassures Casalone at the end of the match -. We are very happy with the performance given by the boys who showed the right spirit by playing a match solid and focused. We didn’t have any fluidity at the beginning of the third quarter but then the team put things back in order.”
ICELAND-ITALY 71-95
(12-27, 25-49, 54-65)
Iceland: Steinarsson 9, Henningsson 3, Fridriksson 15, K. Jonsson, K. Palsson 5, H. Palsson 3, Gunnarson 7, Gudmundsson 14, Hlinason 15, Thrastarson, B. Jonsson, Bjornsson. CT. Pedersen.
Italia: Spissu 10, Moretti 6, Tessitori 6, Basile 19, Bortolani 15, M. Vitali 10, Rossato 7, Poser 4, Severini, Alviti 5, Akele 13. Coach. Pozzecco.
#Euro2025 #Italy #overwhelms #Iceland #Pozzecco #return #break #due #migraine
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How did Italy effectively compensate for the absences of key players due to EuroLeague commitments, and how might this impact their strategic approach moving forward in the qualifiers?
## World Today News Interview: Analyzing Italy’s Dominant Victory Over Iceland
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to World Today News! Today, we’re dissecting Italy’s impressive win over Iceland in the 2025 European Championship qualifiers. Joining us are two esteemed basketball analysts: [Guest 1 Name], known for their in-depth knowledge of international basketball, and [Guest 2 Name], a former professional player who brings a unique perspective from the court.
**Section 1: Match Analysis & Dominant Performance**
* **Host:** Gentlemen, Italy secured a comfortable victory against Iceland, showcasing exceptional dominance throughout the game. Can you delve into the key factors contributing to this convincing win?
* **Host (to Guest 1):** What aspects of Italy’s gameplan stood out to you, particularly given the absence of several key players due to the EuroLeague round?
* **Host (to Guest 2):** From a player’s perspective, did you notice any specific tactical adjustments or individual brilliance that amplified Italy’s performance?
**Section 2: Debutant Basile and Emerging Stars**
* **Host:** Grant Basile made an impactful debut for Italy, leading the team in scoring with 19 points. How significant is this performance for him, and what does it signify for the future of the Italian national team?
* **Host (to Guest 1):** Beyond Basile, which other players impressed you with their contributions, and how might they contribute to Italy’s future successes on the international stage?
* **Host (to Guest 2):** Coach Pozzecco entrusted several younger players with significant minutes. What message might this send to both these players and the wider Italian basketball community?
**Section 3: Coaching and Overcoming Challenges**
* **Host:** Coach Pozzecco was unfortunately unable to return for the second half due to a migraine. How might his absence have impacted the team, and how effectively did assistant coach Casalone manage the situation?
* **Host (to Guest 1):** Despite the temporary setback, Italy maintained composure and ultimately secured a decisive win. What does this demonstrate about the team’s mental fortitude and ability to adapt under pressure?
* **Host (to Guest 2):** From your experience as a player, how crucial is it for a team to maintain focus and execution even when facing unexpected challenges during a match?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead to the Rematch**
* **Host:** The two teams will face each other again in Reggio Emilia in just a few days. What adjustments might we expect from both sides knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses?
* **Host (to Guest 1):** Given Italy’s commanding lead in the group, how might this impact their approach to the rematch? Will they prioritize experimenting with different tactics or aim for another decisive victory?
* **Host (to Guest 2):** What are Iceland’s chances of upsetting Italy on their home turf?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you to our guests, [Guest 1 Name] and [Guest 2 Name], for sharing their insightful analysis. It’s clear that Italy is showcasing exciting promise in the European Championship qualifiers, and we eagerly await the rematch against Iceland. Stay tuned to World Today News for further updates and analysis on the tournament.
