Italy vs Puerto Rico: Analysis and Prediction – As part of preparations for the FIBA World Cup, Italy and Puerto Rico will play game in Ravenna.
Italy vs Puerto Rico Odds
Italy vs Puerto Rico (1/2): 1.15 / 4.75
Asian Handicap (-10.5 / +10.5): 1.76 / 1.90
Total Over/Under (169.5): 1.83 / 1.83
Odds via Bet365 Sportsbook
Italy Team News
In the past ten days, Italy has won both tournaments they participated in. They claimed win in the Trento tournament after defeating Turkey and China. In Athens, they secured wins in two closely contested matches against Serbia and Greece. The upcoming matchup against Puerto Rico is expected to be an easy one since they are of a lower caliber compared to the previous two teams.
The Italians under Gianmarco Pozzecco’s guidance continue to play their trademark high-tempo basketball, with passion, seeking every advantage against opponents. Despite a challenging season, Simone Fontecchio stands out as a true leader and spearhead of this generation of Italian players.
The Italians are performing well and may secure the top spot in their group on FIBA World Cup, avoiding the US national team in the quarterfinals. Potential opponents are Greece and Lithuania, whom they can compete with.
Puerto Rico Team News
As part of their preparations for the FIBA World Cup, the Central American team played two matches. After winning against the Dominican Republic, they faced a huge defeat against the United States. Puerto Rico had active results during the entire first half. The team coached by Steve Kerr started the second half with much more energy and commitment and won easily.
In the match against the American team, Tremont Waters was the top scorer. With Jose Alvarado absent due to his team’s decision, Waters stepped up as the leader of this team. He had previously played for Metropolitan and was a key player, along with Victor Wembanyama, in the team that reached the finals of the French championship.
In Group B of the upcoming FIBA World Cup, Puerto Rico will compete against Serbia, South Sudan, and China. Their matches against the African and Asian teams will determine if they advance to the next stage. If they do, they will face Italy, the clear favorite to progress from their own group.
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Italy vs Puerto Rico H2H
Italy has won all six matches against their opponent, including the most recent game in Belgrade in 2021 during the Olympic Games qualification.
Absences and Injuries
There is no available information about absences. Both teams should play with their full rosters.
Italy vs Puerto Rico Prediction
We anticipate fast-paced game between Italy and Puerto Rico. Italy is comfortable with this style of play, while Puerto Rico is led by their playmaker, Waters, who also enjoys playing in this manner. However, Italy has a deeper roster and more skilled players. Therefore, we predict that Italy will win by a margin of at least 11 points.
Tip-off Time: Sunday, 13.08.2023, 21:00 CET
Prediction: Italy -10.5
Odds: 1.76
Sportsbook: Bet365