Power in the paint to propel Italy in Zaragoza

ROME (2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship) - Italy could cause some serious match-up headaches for their opponents under the basket when they hit the hardwood at the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship.

Having been on the wrong end of a huge upset at the event two years ago in Klatovy when they were beaten by Mali, this edition could justifiably have Italy as a potential contender thanks to a three-pronged attack in the paint.

Lorela Cubaj, Sara Madera and Valeria Trucco look set to be a potentially dominant frontcourt force after they headlined the initial 16-player roster for the preparation camp ahead of the big-tip in Zaragoza.

Standing 1.92m tall, Cubaj was an absolute handful for opposing defences at last year's U16 European Women's Championship and deservedly was named to the All-Star Five.

She only just beat Modera to the accolade, with her team-mate having finished as her team’s top rebounder on Portuguese soil. Trucco also brings a seriously imposing presence and her 55 percent finishing at the basket was a standout feature last year as Italy finished in third place.

Notably they only lost the one game in the tournament and it was a painful once as they went down in the Semi-Finals as they subsequently recovered to take the last step on the podium.

But it demonstrates just how dangerous they could be for Czech Republic and USA, who are also in Group C with Korea.

Italy aren't just about their 'bigs' and in Elisa Pinzan they have a player who will look to orchestrate the plays and could play a serious role in determining their prospects.

They also have some particularly strong continuity with 11 of the 12 players returning from last year's roster.

Preparation will witness Italy facing Portugal and Spain in friendly games on 9 and 11 June, after they meet for the initial preparation camp on 2 June.

FIBA