Italy Gears Up for the FIBA Basketball World Cup: Announces 16-man Squad Featuring Prominent Stars and Emerging Talents

In preparation for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup, Italy’s National Basketball Team has assembled a robust 16-man squad. With nine members hailing from last year’s team that narrowly missed a podium finish at the highly competitive FIBA EuroBasket, Italy is determined to show its mettle in an even larger tournament.

Standouts from the previous squad include Simone Fontecchio, Nicolo Melli, Achille Polonara, Alessandro Pajola, Nico Mannion, and Stefano Tonut. These players were instrumental in Italy’s triumphant performance at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade, earning Italy a spot at the Tokyo Games.

Fontecchio, who recently completed his first NBA season with the Utah Jazz, has cemented his reputation as a formidable shooter in Europe. Last year’s EuroBasket saw him lead the Italian team with an average of 19.4 points per game, including an impressive 45.1 percent success rate from behind the arc.

Melli, a national team veteran since EuroBasket 2013 and a notable player in Europe, ranked second in scoring and rebounding, and third in assists in last year’s team.

Marco Spissu, another valuable player from Italy’s Olympic team, earned his stripes last summer, making notable contributions in Italy’s Round of 16 victory against Serbia.

While the line-up boasts of experience and skill, the team is also focusing on nurturing the next generation of Italian basketball talent. Power forward/center Guglielmo Caruso is a highly-regarded newcomer who had an exceptional season with Varese. His talent was undeniable, prompting Olimpia Milano coach Ettore Messina to sign him.

Additionally, point guard Matteo Spagnolo and guard/small forward Gabriele Procida are also in the running to be included in the World Cup roster. Other members vying for a spot are Mouhamet Diouf, Riccardo Visconti, and Luca Severini.

In a tournament of this magnitude, the Italians will undoubtedly rely on the blend of veteran skill and fresh talent in their ranks. This assembly of players is Italy’s attempt to make a significant impact on the global basketball stage at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.