The triples by the Sardinians Datome (20 points) and Spissu (10 points and 7 assists) are not enough to bring Latvia down. The clash between the two Italian coaches is won by Banchi: 82-87 and the Latvians will play the final for fifth place at the World Cup, while Italy will play on Saturday for seventh place .
In quintet Datome for Fontecchio (“slight influence” is the official explanation) and he already puts in two triples for 8-3 in the 3'. Italy defends well and attacks well: Melli in the center of the area for +7. Latvia punishes support from the strong side with a discharge and a basket. Datome puts in the third bomb and the Azzurri double the Latvians: 20-10 in the 7th minute. Melli also scores from the arc for +13.
Coach Pozzecco inserts the second quintet. Latvia reduces a little with a triple on the siren of the fourth. The Azzurri allow too much freedom from the arc and Banchi's lineup makes up for it: 29-24 in the 12th minute. Procida is sparkling in attack, steals and crushes for the new +10. Little by little the players of the quintet are reinstated, but Latvia now responds blow by blow with the bombs of Kurucs and Strautins mend almost everything: 38-36 in the 17th minute.
Datome returns and scores a couple of average players, but Grazulis is on fire, the US referee commits a couple of referee slips and Latvia, very precise in their shooting, thanks them with the lead: 42-46 at the interval.
After the break, Italy with the starting quintet. Immediately two triples from Zagaris and the Azzurri immediately end up at -10. Spissu comes out (hit to the face and third foul) and Italy fails to fuel with Polonara which remains disastrous: 44-58 in the 23rd minute. Ricci and Tonut shake up the team who start attacking again in defense: 57-60 in the 27th minute. Diouf also enters. Plenty of room for young people, who inevitably make mistakes due to inexperience. Latvia revives: 60-67.
On 62-69 of the 33rd minute Spissu returns. Bertans breaks free from three and is -10. The Azzurri miss a few free throws too many: only one for Procida, for 66-74. Re-enter Datome. From eight meters Spissu for -8. He steals Tonut, Datome scores from three: 75-79 in the 38th minute. Spissu scores three with 41 seconds to go for -2.
But Grazulis (28 points with only one shooting error) scores the triple that closes the match.
