Gianmarco Pozzecco has shared his expectations ahead of the match between Serbia and Italy, as they meet in Group I of the FIBA World Cup.
“The Azzurri” advanced to the second round of the competition with a record of 2-1, and their only loss in the group stage was against the Dominican Republic.
“We are happy because we have continued our dream, and now we are facing one of the best teams in the world. Svetislav Pesic is doing a great job, and the players are incredible. We have a lot of respect for Serbia. I grew up in Trieste, so I have been following Yugoslav basketball my whole life. My admiration for your basketball is incredible” said Gianmarco Pozzecco for Sport Klub
The Italian coach also reflected on the previous group stage and Argentina’s loss to the Bahamas.
“It wasn’t easy. For instance, Argentina lost to the Bahamas, which is why they won’t be at the Olympics. We lost to the Dominican Republic, and then people say it’s a disaster, but you look at their team with NBA players. They are an incredible team. You often think these are easy matches, but they’re not” Pozzecco said, and added:
“The world is changing; there aren’t as many teams that you can easily beat. Every team has at least two or three quality players. With the Dominican Republic, there’s Karl-Anthony Towns, the Philippines have Clarkson, everyone shoots threes, and if the opponent shoots over 50% against you, you’re in trouble. It’s important that we advanced from the group, and now we have a significant challenge ahead, and that’s Serbia. We’ll see how it all goes.”
The Italian coach continued to praise the “Eagles”, emphasizing how every summer a new quality player emerges from Serbia.
“I respect your basketball; you have many quality players, a lot of talent. Okay, there’s Jokic, Micic, and the others, but every summer you bring out a new player. You have a good coach, I believe he has prepared the team well, and a tough match awaits us.”
The interview couldn’t pass without mentioning the situation where Pozzecco “stole the show” at the previous European Championship and motivated his team to defeat Serbia.
“I am completely different from the rest, I don’t remember most things from that game, not the ejections, not other things… I only remember my hug with Danilovic, love him. What he showed me in that moment is more important than any victory. He showed me that he is considered my friend, which is more important than that game, it means a lot to me. Personally, that’s the best moment of that European Championship for me.”
Towards the end of the conversation, Gianmarco mentioned his players, who are facing a tough task in the match against Serbia.
“They are all ready, I love and respect all my players a lot. I want them to enjoy themselves and continue to dream.”
The match between Serbia and Italy is scheduled for Friday at 10 AM CET