With a sensational third quarter of 28-9 , Marco Spissu's Italy scores a coup in Hungary and secures access to Eurobasket 2025. In Szombathely it ends 62-83 for the Azzurri, who repeat the victory against Turkey.
Spissu, Petrucelli, Procida, Polonara and Tessitori is the starting quintet chosen by coach Pozzecco given the absences of Tonut and Melli. The start was in the name of captain Polonara: 7 of the 9 points for the Azzurri which reached +6 in the 5th minute with a triple from Tessitori. Italy appears a bit superficial in some offensive actions, Spissu takes care of it from the arc to improve the lead: 15-8 in the 7th minute. American-style substitution for Pozzecco who brings in 4 players from the bench. The second quintet makes a mess in attack, shoots too many threes (mistakenly) and is reached, 15-15.
Mannion and Pajola give Italy new momentum: 15-21 at 12'. However, Italy is unable to escape and suffers the transition of the hosts who with Hanga and Perl's triple lead to the overtaking of the hosts: 30-29 in the 17th minute. Coach Pozzecco calls for a zone defense, but Spissu's bomb is needed to get back ahead.
Italy returns with the starting five and with the lead at the start of the match, even reaching +10 in the 25th minute after Petrucelli's triple served in the corner splendidly by the Sassari point guard. The Azzurri continue to defend aggressively and even go to +21 with the bomb from Procida. Race practically over. In the last quarter Italy put on a show and even reached +32 before conceding something to the Hungarians.
