Italian basketball is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, marked by a string of impressive performances from its burgeoning talent. Amidst this rising tide of national pride, Gianmarco Pozzecco, head coach of the men`s national team, offers an insightful glimpse into his philosophy and the strategic maneuvers aimed at securing a coveted medal at the upcoming EuroBasket 2025.
A Foundation of Flourishing Youth
The recent summer has been nothing short of spectacular for Italian basketball`s foundational programs. The women`s national team proudly claimed a European bronze in Athens, while the Under-20 squad clinched a European gold in Crete. Not to be outdone, the Under-15 team secured the prestigious Friendship Trophy in France, a triumph unseen in 16 years. Pozzecco, reflecting on these successes, poses a thought-provoking question: “Perhaps we should ponder if we are one of the countries that least employs its young players?” A subtle nod, perhaps, to the untapped potential that could further fuel the senior team.
He credits the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) for this burgeoning success, particularly highlighting the “tremendous work” of President Gianni Petrucci, General Director Salvatore Trainotti, and the invaluable involvement of former player Gigi Datome. This cohesive leadership, Pozzecco insists, has yielded results “beyond expectations,” making him feel deeply integrated into a project built on trust and strategic foresight.
Achille Polonara: The Enduring Spirit of the Squad
At the heart of Pozzecco`s team is a story of profound human resilience. Achille Polonara, currently undergoing treatment for leukemia in Valencia, remains an integral part of the national team`s fabric. Pozzecco reveals their daily communication, emphasizing that Polonara`s contribution transcends mere emotional support; it`s a concrete, analytical input.
“He will work through Synergy [a video and statistics analysis program],” Pozzecco explains. “We will draw upon his insights, his ideas, his analyses, and I am convinced he will be an added value. He has lived with this National team from the very beginning, he has a complete vision of what we do. I want him to truly feel part of the Azzurri environment.”
Polonara, a player of “strong sentiments,” historically delivers his best basketball when emotions run high – in pivotal playoff games or crucial international matchups. Pozzecco sees this same indomitable spirit manifesting in his current personal battle, a testament to his profound character. It’s a compelling narrative: a player facing his toughest adversary off-court, yet still contributing his sharp mind and unwavering spirit to the team`s pursuit of excellence.
The DiVincenzo Dynamic: An NBA Boost with a European Soul
Adding a significant dimension to the Italian roster is the anticipated arrival of NBA guard Donte DiVincenzo. The ongoing process to secure his Italian passport, lauded as “incredible work” by Petrucci, Datome, and Deputy Secretary Tomassi, has Pozzecco brimming with enthusiasm.
Having met DiVincenzo in the United States, Pozzecco was left with “excellent impressions.” Despite his NBA background, the coach believes DiVincenzo possesses a “natural predisposition for European basketball,” suggesting a seamless integration into the team`s system. He anticipates DiVincenzo will be a “boost,” a vital stimulus, but with characteristic pragmatism, Pozzecco adds, “I thought we could win even before [his arrival]. Donte is a great additional resource.” This isn`t about reliance, but enrichment – a subtle yet crucial distinction that speaks volumes about the coach`s confidence in his existing squad.
Pozzecco`s Core Philosophy: Identity Over Individualism
When questioned about his team`s playing style, Pozzecco`s vision is crystal clear: “We will pass the ball, we will help each other on defense, we will create a group where everyone wants to be loved, not just tolerated, but where mistakes are accepted.” This isn`t just about Xs and Os; it`s a deep dive into team psychology. He places immense trust in his players, especially when they are underperforming, seeing those moments as critical junctures for support and consideration. He stands by them “all the way.”
This philosophy extends to his staff, with Pozzecco expressing pride in his assistants, recognizing that daily discussions with them are the source of “reflections, stimuli, and solutions.” It`s a testament to a collaborative environment where ideas flow freely and collective wisdom is valued.
Learning from the Past, Forging the Future
The Pre-Olympic tournament in Puerto Rico offered valuable lessons. While the 2022 EuroBasket and 2023 World Cup teams played with a “moving spirit,” that intangible quality was “missing something” last summer. For EuroBasket 2025, Pozzecco is determined to rekindle that fire. Key figures like Niccolò Melli and Simone Fontecchio are deemed “decisive” in reigniting those crucial emotions. The message is unequivocal: “We will go strong, always, starting from five-on-zero in training.” Every aspect of preparation will be imbued with intensity.
This commitment to a unified identity also informs difficult personnel decisions. The exclusion of Mannion, for instance, was a choice directly communicated to the player. Pozzecco clarifies: “In the National team, I don`t have to select the best, but create a team with an identity, sometimes even at the expense of talent. It`s a choice, not a negative judgment.” Such decisions, he asserts, are functional to the team`s current needs, player dynamics, and his overarching strategic ideas. The growth path of younger players, including Danilo Gallinari (who Pozzecco believes “deserves to be with us”), is also a constant consideration.
Finally, Pozzecco draws inspiration from the very successes he praised earlier, specifically the women`s national team. He sees in coach Capobianco`s work the embodiment of his own ideals: “an available, united group, and everything then returned with the beautiful basketball expressed and with how much [Cecilia] Zandalasini, superb, was `inside` the team.” It`s a holistic view of national team success, where unity and shared purpose translate directly into on-court brilliance.
As EuroBasket 2025 approaches, Pozzecco`s Italy is not merely preparing a roster; they are forging an identity. With the resilience of Polonara, the potential flair of DiVincenzo, and a clear, human-centric coaching philosophy, the Azzurri are poised to challenge for a medal, driven by a spirit that extends far beyond the hardwood.
Murray Blackwood