Paolo Banchero should have played for Italy but now comes into action against the Azzurri. © APA / afp / SHERWIN VARDELEON
Paolo Banchero was actually supposed to play for Italy at the Basketball World Cup. But the young star from the NBA suddenly decided for the USA. The direct duel in the quarterfinals is therefore explosive.
05. September 2023
From: cst/dpa
The greetings to the second home fell out. When the basketball star Paolo Banchero was asked before the World Cup duel in Manila if he still had a message for the Italian fans, he said with an expressionless expression: “No.” And with that, the stage is set for an explosive World Cup quarterfinals , where Banchero will be the focus this Tuesday (2.40 p.m.).
The 20-year-old with an American mother and an Italian father initially announced that he wanted to play for Italy at the World Cup. In June of this year, the top talent then had an unexpected turnaround. The USA and head coach Steve Kerr were plagued by many cancellations and tried to put together a ready team of young stars for the World Cup in Asia. Banchero subsequently agreed with the US team as well.
Italy’s star: Simone Fontecchio plays for Utah Jazz in the NBA. © ANSA / ROLEX DELA PENA
Italy’s federation was disappointed with the turn of events – and above all with the way Banchero communicated them. “It was a legitimate decision but he could have called to let us know. Instead, we found out about his decision from the newspapers,” Italy’s basketball boss Gianni Petrucci told Gazzetta dello Sport. And the official was even clearer: “He fooled us.” In the quarter-finals in Manila, Italy has the chance for sporting revenge.
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2023-09-05 06:42:07
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