Italian NT 2016

[Chetto4]

Well,indeed we do,if you consider the fact that he made CSKA losing two semi-finals,one from MTA at the last second and a blow out from Oly,while he had great players at the squad Kidding,I really like him,but the question is if he can convince the Superstars to play defence,or change their play style at offense.I fell in love with your team at the last Eurobasket,by far from the second one the team I liked most.Can Messina inspire the players and manipulate the pressure?That's something that Italy needs to have in mind.At the most important game last year the players seemed weak mentally and unable to control the game.That's my only hope tho,otherwise I wouldn't have any problem if Italy qualifies,going to support you at Rio if you make it,you have amazing players and a lovely country.

Ahahah you're right, Messina was not perfect for sure with CSKA and Real Madrid but I think he is still one of the best in the business so I wanna have faith
And yes, defense is the biggest concern fo this team, so you are right again. The defensive attitude looked pretty good in the few friendlies we played though, and everybody looked very engaged. Of course official games are another story but we had some positive signs.
Offensively we did some good things and some not so good things but, again, it looks like the players have the idea to share the ball and play as a team. Obviously it's not easy to be great on offense with so little time to prepare yourself and work in the gym but it's the same for you guys and also for every other team playing in Turin.
The talent is there for us and last summer we finished just short losing in OT against Lithuania. Hopefully this time will be different, even though it will not be easy, Greece and Croatia are both very good teams.

[R1ou]

Such a pity for Italy,really wanted to see this generation of players combined at an Olympic tournament.Probably they won't play together again.A missed chance here.

[Mindozas]

As funny as it may sound, IMO Messina was the reason they failed... Italy in 2015 looked so much better for my liking

[cigarafterten2016]

Another sad night for the Italia national team. I think the Italian Federation is not driving Italina basketball in the right direction.

[Italian Pride]

As funny as it may sound, IMO Messina was the reason they failed... Italy in 2015 looked so much better for my liking

I don't know,but Messina work only two weeks with these player,Pianigiani 6 Summer!

Such a pity for Italy,really wanted to see this generation of players combined at an Olympic tournament.Probably they won't play together again.A missed chance here.

Generation of losers!

Next year i want to see only Melli,Hackett,Datome,Cervi(i don't understand because he never played,he's better by far than Cusin),maybe Aradori,Tonut at least in traing camp(if he improves again) and stop!

[Serbian_Layup]

I think letting Pianigiani go was a mistake. His coaching philosophy suits much better with this Italian team. He is kind of a run&gun coach and that's what works best for this team. Messina has a complete opposite coaching style and there was a very little time to change their usual approach to the game. That probably confused italian players a lot and caused a lack of confidence. Don't give up on Gentile, he can still be an excellent player, but he will have to step up big time next year. Lack of ball movement is the biggest flaw of this team.

[R1ou]

I don't know,but Messina work only two weeks with these player,Pianigiani 6 Summer!


Generation of losers!

Next year i want to see only Melli,Hackett,Datome,Cervi(i don't understand because he never played,he's better by far than Cusin),maybe Aradori,Tonut at least in traing camp(if he improves again) and stop!

Finally someone understood the failure vs Nigeria at 2012.Losing at your home court with the best possible roster to an undoubtedly weaker team is a similar thing to what happened to us at 2012.Don't worry bro,we will be both there at 2020

[Mozart]

Cervi(i don't understand because he never played,he's better by far than Cusin)

that's your opinion, I think the opposite and Pianigiani and Messina as well (for not saying that a lot of people in Italy think that Cervi didn't ever deserved to be in the 12, as you know)

[Italian Pride]

Finally someone understood the failure vs Nigeria at 2012.Losing at your home court with the best possible roster to an undoubtedly weaker team is a similar thing to what happened to us at 2012.Don't worry bro,we will be both there at 2020

if we get the ticket for world cup,with these losers never say never

Originally Posted by Mozart View Post
that's your opinion, I think the opposite and Pianigiani and Messina as well (for not saying that a lot of people in Italy think that Cervi didn't ever deserved to be in the 12, as you know)

I think the better option was Pascolo!

Cusin could be a great rim protector if he is in good day,but on offense with him on the court we play in 4!

[Mozart]

if we get the ticket for world cup,with these losers never say never
I think the better option was Pascolo!
Cusin could be a great rim protector if he is in good day,but on offense with him on the court we play in 4!

Pascolo is not a C
Cusin is not good in offense but still better than cervi and yesterday he did what is asked to do, if you remeber there were standing ovation for him in the first half

[auris1]

Another sad night for the Italia national team. I think the Italian Federation is not driving Italina basketball in the right direction.

Well,you had (probably) best players and coach available at this time ,plus you had home support ,and yet...Croatia wanted it more as a team and that is where you lacked . Not sure if federation could have done more in this case.

[Mozart]

Well,you had (probably) best players and coach available at this time ,plus you had home support ,and yet...Croatia wanted it more as a team and that is where you lacked . Not sure if federation could have done more in this case.

pls do not talk about federation.
they have done a mess with fiba/uleb, so that some people yesterday supported Croatia hoping in their resignation in case of a failure.
sad news is that they will not resign

[usagre]

I think you guys are overacting and making far reaching conclusions based on this one game. Italy's best player was in early foul trouble and eventually fouled out playing only 25 of the 45 minutes. Bargnani also was limited early due to foul trouble. In contrast Croatia's two best players played a combined 80 minutes and played well. And despite all of that it was an overtime loss that easily could have went the other way.

[Italian Pride]

Pascolo is not a C

I know,but the better option for was 3 Pf and 2 C with Melli that can play minutes like stretch 5 as you see in these games!

If Arcidiacono gets this passport he could be a very good back up for Hackett next year!