Pozzecco: 'We just shocked the world'

BERLIN (Germany) - Italy have done it again. A second win over Serbia in as many years as they dumped one of the pre-tournament favorites out of FIBA EuroBasket 2022.

An overwhelmed Italian head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco was filled with emotion at the end of the game as the magnitude of his side's victory became apparent.

"THESE WERE NOT 12 PLAYERS; THESE WERE 12 LIONS AND THEY HAVE SHAKEN THE WORLD TONIGHT."

The statement growing in decibels upon each repetitive cry amid passionate embraces for each of his players as they headed towards the locker room.

He added, "These were not 12 players, these were 12 lions and they have shaken the world tonight."

Pozzecco had to wait to be reunited with his team after being ejected during the first half of their 94-86 triumph in which they had trailed by as many as 14 points and saw Nikola Jokic in top form on the way to a 32-point, 13-rebound double-double..

The moment was used as motivation by his players to turn it around and back up their 102-95 victory over Serbia in last year's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

"It was a critical moment for us when our coach was ejected, and then we all took a step forward and gave everything to win," commented Nicolo Melli. "This win was better than last year's win because here Serbia had a full roster with one of the best players in the world in their ranks, so this is more special."

Marco Spissu was not required on that occasion, watching the action unfold from the bench. But this time, the 27-year-old ensured he played a starring role with 22 points - including 6-of-9 three-point shooting - as well as 4 rebounds and 6 assists.

"This is my best game in my career," he stated. "Playing against Serbia in Berlin, and now we are in the Quarter-Finals. There was a little bit of revenge from last year because I didn't play. I was so calm [today]. I knew in the end that I was helping the team a lot.

"We have done something incredible, something that nobody believed in except us. Maybe we found even more people tonight that can feel the same passion as the fans that were here."

The Azzurri can dare to dream again with Italy advancing to a last eight showdown with France - one step closer to a first medal at EuroBasket since 2003.

FIBA