Pan poised to breathe some fire for Italy
ROME (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017) - The exciting offensive talents of Francesca Pan could be central to the hopes of Italy as they prepare for the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship.
ROME (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017) - The exciting offensive talents of Francesca Pan look likely to be central to the hopes of Italy as they prepare for the forthcoming FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017.
Having pushed for a place with the senior national team while under consideration for the recent FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 campaign, the free-scoring guard will be looking to shine in Matosinhos.
| Italy 17-player squad for FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017 | |||
| Federica Alesiani | Olbis Futo Andre | Alice Carrara | Elisa Chiabotto |
| Giulia Ciavarella | Lucrezia Costa | Carlotta Gianolla | Jasmine Keys |
| Maria Chiara Ortolani | Francesca Pan | Elisa Policari | Rachele Porcu |
| Giulia Prosperi | Mariella Santucci | Anna Togliani | Emanuela Valente |
| Lucrezia Zanetti | |||
Pan could be the player to help her country realize another tilt at the podium, after playing her part in last year's incredible Final when Italy were just pipped to the title by Spain.
She averaged double-digits at more than 10 points per game during the 2016 edition and will be searching for an even more fruitful scoring return this time around. She will be joined by three other 2016 silver medalists in Lucrezia Costa, Rachele Porcu and Elisa Policari.
Fans may also be treated to the exciting athleticism of Olbis Futo Andre, who has made a big impression in the Italian second tier with her game around the basket.
Italy have been pitched into Group B with Latvia, Lithuania and host nation Portugal.
FIBA