Italy vs Turkey: Analysis and Prediction – Italy will play against Turky in the EuroBasket Qualifiers round 1.
Italy vs Turkey Odds
Italy Team News
Italy left a more than positive impression at the FIBA World Cup last year. In the second phase, they defeated Serbia, but luck wasn’t on their side in the draw. In the quarterfinals, they faced the United States, who unexpectedly lost to Lithuania before, leading to the end for Gianmarco Pozzecco’s team.
Comparing to that World Cup, not much has changed in Italy’s roster. Simone Fontecchio can’t participate in the qualifiers due to NBA commitments, and Luigi Datome has retired after the tournament in the Philippines. Pozzecco wanted to bring back Daniel Hackett and Marco Belinelli to the national team, but it won’t happen for the games against Turkey and Hungary. Achille Polonara, Nicolo Melli and Giampaolo Ricci remain the most experienced players, along with Stefano Tonut, Nico Mannion, Marco Spissu, Diego Flaccadori and Gabriele Procida.
Considering that three teams from the group advance to the EuroBasket, it’s hard to imagine Italy having problems even if they lose to Turkey. Nevertheless, nobody wants any drama, and it’s realistic to see highly motivated Azzurri. After all, that’s never in question with them.
Turkey Team News
The previous summer was one of the toughest for Turkey in the 21st century, at least in terms of basketball. They were not part of the FIBA World Cup, and they failed to secure a spot in the Olympic Games qualifiers, losing to Croatia on their home court.
Before this games against Italy and Iceland, head coach Ergin Ataman strongly criticized the qualification system. Turkey’s biggest strength lies in their NBA players, who are prevented from being part of the team. That’s one of the main reasons why this team failed to qualify for the World Cup. In the absence of players like Alperen Sengun, Cedi Osman, Onuralp Bitim and Omer Yurtseven, the main roles are expected to be played by Tarik Biberovic, Sertac Sanli, Ercan Osmani, Bugrahan Tuncer and Sadik Emir Kabaca. Veteran Melih Mahmutoglu, as well as Erten Gazi and Erkan Yilmaz, are also part of the roster.
The base of Turkish players outside the NBA is modest. The best ones are mostly members of Fenerbahce and Anadolu Efes, but none of them play significant roles in their EuroLeague teams. For any chance in Pesaro, they will have to rely on good defense, which they haven’t consistently demonstrated in the past.
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Italy vs Turkey H2H
Nine years have passed since the last official game between these national teams. Turkey defeated Italy at EuroBasket in 2015 by 89:87.
Absences and Injuries
Neither team has issues with injuries, but the mentioned NBA players are absent in both camps.
Italy vs Turkey Prediction
Italy is simply the more quality team at this moment. If Turkey had their NBA players, the balance of power would be different, but given the current circumstances, the advantage must be given to Azzurri. Their members play significant roles in their EuroLeague clubs, and they have been together for much longer. Turkey has never been known for good defense, and we don’t believe they will pose a threat here in any way.
Tip-off Time: Thursday, 22.02.2024, 20:30 CET
Prediction: Italy -9.5
Odds: 1.83
Sportsbook: MyBookie
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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