At the start of the FIBA World Cup, Italy defeated Angola 81:67 and thus took first place in Group A.
Angola opened the match better, but the scoring “post” lasting almost six minutes, and Italy’s 14:0 series, cost them as they went to the first break with a deficit (23:17). In contrast to the first part, Josep Claros’ team gave a much better performance in the second half, but even that was not enough to keep the lead until halftime (43:40).
In the third quarter, we saw two big series on both sides, but the Italians were the ones who could have been more satisfied before the last 10 minutes of the match (61:57). Giampaolo Ricci appeared as a hero from the shadows in the finish for Italy, thanks to whom the first double-digit advantage of the match was seen, and later the triumph of Italy.
The most effective player for the Italians was Simone Fontecchio with 19 points, while Childe Dundao scored the same amount on the other side.
In the next match, Italy will compete against the Dominican Republic, while Angola will face the Philippines (August 27).