Italy kicks off EuroBasket 2025 preparation perfectly, Antetokounmpo already with Greece
Italy continues to gain momentum. At home, the Nazionale won the Trentino Basket Cup against Senegal (82-68), despite the absence of several key players. Momo Diouf stood out and was named tournament MVP. Meanwhile, Greece can already count on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence for their summer preparation.
Italy starts strong, Greece gets Giannis back
For Saturday night’s final in Trento, Gianmarco Pozzecco chose to rest three key players: Simone Fontecchio, Nicolo Melli and Marco Spissu, all left out as a precaution. This didn’t stop Italy from winning 80-56 against a physical and tenacious Senegal team, the day after their victory against Iceland (87-61).
Momo Diouf (2.06m, 22 years old) took charge with 17 points, well supported by Giampaolo Ricci and Gabriele Procida (12 points each). The Tortona player was naturally named MVP of the Trentino Cup. « It’s difficult to play two games in two days against two completely different teams, » commented Pozzecco. « Senegal had big-sized players. Fatigue prevents you from starting focused, but the boys were excellent and we made great progress in the second half. It’s a small step forward. »
After this tournament, Italy made its first cuts with Giordano Bortolani and Guglielmo Caruso leaving the training camp. They will continue their preparation with several tests before heading to Cyprus, where they will compete in EuroBasket Group C.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, already working with Greece
Another important update from the continent: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence from the very start of the Greek national team’s training camp. The two-time NBA MVP has joined his teammates in Athens, showing his full commitment to EuroBasket 2025. Vassilis Spanoulis’s team will rely on an ambitious group aiming to win their first continental title since 2005.
Meanwhile, preparation matches will continue throughout August for all teams. The French team begins its program this Monday, August 4th, with a first test against Montenegro in Mouilleron-le-Captif.
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