Rome, 6 July (LaPresse) – Italy secured victory in Bologna in their final match of the first phase of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. The Azzurri defeated Lithuania 87–74, coming back from a 13-point deficit in the final five minutes thanks to an incredible 24–8 run. Italy therefore finish top of Group D ahead of Lithuania and Iceland (who won 86–88 in Great Britain), racking up a run of five consecutive victories following their defeat to Iceland in Tortona. In the second phase of the Qualifiers, Italy will face the top three teams from Group C: Turkey (already assured of top spot), Serbia and Bosnia. The two Balkan sides face each other this evening, after which the official fixture list can be drawn up. The Azzurri’s top scorer was Nico Mannion with 27 points, whilst Stefano Tonut (10) and Matteo Spagnolo (14) also scored in double figures.
Basketball: World Cup qualifiers – Italy beat Lithuania 87–84 in Bologna
Rome, 6 July (LaPresse) – Italy secured victory in Bologna in their final match of the first phase of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. The Azzurri defeated Lithuania 87–74, coming back from a 13-point deficit in the final five minutes thanks to an incredible 24–8 run. Italy therefore finish top of Group D ahead of Lithuania and Iceland (who won 86–88 in Great Britain), racking up a run of five consecutive victories following their defeat to Iceland in Tortona. In the second phase of the Qualifiers, Italy will face the top three teams from Group C: Turkey (already assured of top spot), Serbia and Bosnia. The two Balkan sides face each other this evening, after which the official fixture list can be drawn up. The Azzurri’s top scorer was Nico Mannion with 27 points, whilst Stefano Tonut (10) and Matteo Spagnolo (14) also scored in double figures.
