Marco Spissu's Italian basketball team comfortably closed out the final Group C match, defeating Cyprus 89-54, but Greece's simultaneous victory over Spain only secured second place. In the EuroBasket Round of 16, Gianmarco Pozzecco's team will face Slovenia, home to NBA phenomenon Luka Doncic, a fascinating yet complicated matchup.

In Limassol, Spissu and his teammates dominated from the first minute to the last, with wide rotations and plenty of space for those who had seen less of the floor so far. Danilo Gallinari took advantage of this, improving with 12 points and three 3-pointers. Simone Fontecchio (13 points in 15 minutes) was the top scorer, and Matteo Spagnolo had a solid performance, scoring 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Momo Diouf had a double-double of 12+10 points.

As is known, Saliou Niang is out, having been rested after spraining his ankle against Spain.

Italy thus closes the group stage with a record of four wins and only one defeat: from Sunday the road will be a knockout stage, and the first obstacle is called Slovenia.

Italy : Gallinari 12, Melli 3, Fontecchio 13, Thompson 4, Ricci 8, Spagnolo 13, Procida 8, Niang ne, Spissu 5, Diouf 12, Akele 8, Pajola 3. Coach Pozzecco
Cyprus : Loizides, Simitzis 9, Pashialis 2, Michail 2, Iliadis 5, Christodoulou 3, Jung 2, Giannaras, Koumis, Tigkas 15, Willis 10, Stylianou 5. Coach Livadiotes

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