Italy star Simone Fontecchio and the rest of the Azzurri arrive in Manila for the Fiba World Cup.—MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—World No. 10 Italy arrived in Manila on Tuesday afternoon in high spirits, thanks largely to a perfect run in its preparatory games geared toward the Fiba World Cup.
“We’re so happy to be here and you are all lovely in person,” coach Gianmarco Pozzecco told reporters at Naia Terminal 3 after a connecting flight from Hong Kong aboard Cathay Pacific CX 919.
The Azzurri are coming off a seven-game winning streak over teams like Greece, Serbia, China. Their latest was against New Zealand, 88-81, in the Fiba Solidarity Cup in Shenzhen, China on Monday.
Asked about playing host Philippines, Pozzecco had a playful reply: “You’ll have to ask (Simone) Fontecchio about that.”
Italy star Simone Fontecchio and the rest of the Azzurri arrive in Manila for the Fiba World Cup.—MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
A teammate of ace Jordan Clarkson at Utah Jazz, Fontecchio has been solid for the Italians in its ramp-up to the showcase that tips off this Friday at the Philippine Arena.
“Yes. [We’re] ready, ready,” the 27-year-old forward said in Italian.
Pozzeco and his charges open their bid against Angola in the first game at the cavernous Philippines Arena this Friday.
The Azzurri will then face the Dominican Republic on Aug. 27 and will then wrap up their group phase against Gilas Pilipinas on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
The last time the Philippines played Italy was during the 2019 World Cup in China, which saw the Azzurri running away with a 108-62 victory.
