Luca Banchi expected to succeed Pozzecco as head of Italian team

After EuroBasket 2025 ended in the round of 16 for both Italy and Latvia coached by Luca Banchi, the latter is expected to be named head coach of the Italian national team replacing Gianmarco Pozzecco – who resigned – announced Italian Federation (FIP) President Gianni Petrucci.

Appointment seems secured according to Petrucci

In an interview with Corriere della Sera, the 80-year-old executive was very positive about the 60-year-old coach’s profile. « The path seems clear. I can only say that he’s an excellent coach, one of the best, » stated Gianni Petrucci about Luca Banchi.

The FIP president also expressed his preference to see the future head coach fully dedicated to the national team. « I would prefer that, » he responded to a question about the possibility of Banchi focusing full-time on the Italian team. « I understand that if a coach you like is busy, a different solution is possible, » he qualified.

Early EuroBasket 2025 elimination accelerates changes

Italy had a disappointing European campaign, losing to Slovenia’s Luka Dončić in the round of 16 of EuroBasket 2025. Yet the Squadra Azzurra had started well with a 4-1 record in Group C in Limassol, finishing second.

« We missed something in the knockout phase, which has happened before. Slovenia deserved to win. They were better. But we weren’t far from qualifying, » analyzed Petrucci regarding this premature elimination.

The executive also clarified the circumstances of Pozzecco’s departure: « His contract had expired. It was over anyway, » thus explaining the separation with the former coach after the European exit. Luca Banchi should therefore take the reins of the Italian team ahead of upcoming challenges facing the national team.