A game of pure endurance, won with determination and nerve. In Limassol, Italy took another step forward, defeating Spain (67-63), securing their third consecutive Eurobasket victory and drawing level with Greece at the top of Group C. It was a significant victory, as it gave them the chance to play for the top spot on the final day.
The evening, however, didn't get off to a great start. Pozzecco's team had a nightmare start, going seven and a half minutes without a basket and a 13-0 run that seemed to be the deciding factor . But, as has happened in this European Championship, the match's outcome was changed by the talent and enthusiasm of Saliou Niang. The 2004-born Virtus Bologna player put together a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, bringing energy and confidence to a challenging moment and reviving the team until they were six points down at halftime.
The second half turned into a battle of nerves. With Willy Hernangomez limited by fouls, Diouf found space and consistency under the basket, while rookie Procida hit a three-pointer from beyond the arc that brought Italy back to a tie. The decisive turnaround, once again, came from Niang , who with plays on both ends of the court gave the Azzurri their first lead, 49-47, at the end of the third quarter.
From there, Marco Spissu took over. The Sassari point guard took over the reins, hitting a three-pointer to bring the lead to five and managing the most crucial possessions. In the final minutes, with Niang forced to leave the court with an ankle injury that was worrying the staff, it was Spissu who sealed the game with a glacial 4-for-4 free throw run in the final thirty seconds . Ricci and his teammates thus secured a result that bodes well for the team's solid character.
Now Italy is looking ahead: Thursday at 5:15 p.m., the final group stage match against Cyprus , with a clear objective in mind. To secure first place, they'll need to win and hope that Spain trips up Greece.
Italy-Spain 67-63
Italy : Gallinari 2, Melli, Fontecchio 8, Thompson 7, Ricci 11, Spagnolo 3, Procida 3, Niang 10, Spissu 7, Diouf 14, Akele ne, Pajola 2. Coach Pozzecco
Spain : Puerto 9, De Larrea 15, Pradilla 2, Saint-Supery 7, Lopez-Arostegui, Aldama 19, Brizuela 7, W. Hernangomez 1, Yusta 2, J. Hernangomez, Parra 1, Sima ne. Scariolo coach
Partials : 10-18; 30-36; 49-47