Serbia proved too strong for an Italy team that, aside from a relentless Stefano Trucchetti in three-pointers (5/10), had little to counter their opponents. In the round of 16 of the Under-20 European Championship played in Slovenia, Serbia won by a clear margin, 86-63.
The game got off to an uphill start with the Serbians jumping to a 30-17 lead in the first quarter. The second half was more evenly matched, but the third quarter saw a renewed acceleration and the game was over, with Rossi's Azzurri trailing by 31. Sassari point guard Trucchetti's 15 points and Airhienbuwa's 11 weren't enough.
Israel will face off next. The winner will advance to the top bracket, which includes the teams vying for ninth through twelfth place. The loser will advance to the bottom bracket, which includes the teams ranked thirteenth through sixteenth.
