Gianmarco Pozzecco summed up his impressions for the media after the end of the second round match in Group I of the FIBA World Cup against Serbia.
Italy prepared a scenario that has already been seen several times against the national team of Serbia. They had a 16-point deficit in the third period, and in the end they celebrated with a score of 78:76.
“I want to tell you a story. I came here to the Philippines among all these people, whom I love. I want to talk about Manny Pacquiao who represents this country. I expressed my desire to meet him several times. I never dreamed I would have dinner with him, it happened last night.
He is one amazing person and the people of the Philippines should be proud of him. He surprised me, he is a real sports legend, not only because of boxing. I also want to congratulate Serbia, because they played extremely well.
We expected this kind of match, we respect Serbia, really. Their basketball is something incredible and that’s why I’m even more proud of my players. It was not easy” – said Gianmarco Pozzecco before he started answering the questions of the journalists present.
Chess with a boxer and the legend Luigi Datome
“We played chess and I lost. I asked for a rematch in the ring, but I’m just too old for that kind of thing. Luigi Datome is an amazing player. He is a legend and something different from anyone else. Simone Fontecchio will be a free agent this year, I demand 30 million for his new contract and I think for the first time in history his manager (me) will get 30%.“
A special formula against Serbia
“We have a great relationship with them and we have great respect for Serbia. We are in the same hotel, they are all top guys. Because of that respect, my players do their best to beat them. I’m not a genius or that smart, I don’t have a formula. I just trust my players and give the maximum as an example” – concluded Gianmarco Pozzecco.