The Italy men's national basketball team ( it, Nazionale di pallacanestro dell'Italia) represents

Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical re ...

in international

basketball Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, most commonly of five players each, opposing one another on a rectangular Basketball court, court, compete with the primary objective of #Shooting, shooting a basketball (ball), basketball (appr ...

tournaments. They are administered by the

Italian Basketball Federation The Italian Basketball Federation ( it, Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro; FIP) is the governing body of basketball in Italy. It is based in Rome. It organises national competitions in Italy and the Italian basketball leagues, which operate th ...

(FIP). Italy has qualified for 38

EuroBasket EuroBasket, also commonly referred to as the European Basketball Championship, is the main international basketball competition that is contested quadrennially, by the senior men's national teams that are governed by FIBA Europe, which is the E ...

tournaments, winning two gold medals ( 1983, 1999), four silver medals ( 1937,

1946 Events January * January 6 - The 1946 North Vietnamese parliamentary election, first general election ever in Vietnam is held. * January 7 – The Allies recognize the Austrian republic with its 1937 borders, and divide the country into f ...

1991 File:1991 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: Boris Yeltsin, elected as Russia's first president, waves the new flag of Russia after the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt, orchestrated by Soviet hardliners; Mount Pinatubo erupts in the Phil ...

1997 File:1997 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: The movie set of ''Titanic'', the highest-grossing movie in history at the time; ''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'', is published; Comet Hale-Bopp passes by Earth and becomes one of t ...

), and four bronze medals (

1971 * The year 1971 had three partial solar eclipses ( February 25, July 22 and August 20) and two total lunar eclipses (February 10, and August 6). The world population increased by 2.1% this year, the highest increase in history. Events Ja ...

1975 It was also declared the ''International Women's Year'' by the United Nations and the European Architectural Heritage Year by the Council of Europe. Events January * January 1 - Watergate scandal (United States): John N. Mitchell, H. R. ...

, 1985, 2003) as achievements. While Italy has made nine trips to the

World Cup A world cup is a global sporting competition in which the participant entities – usually international teams or individuals representing their countries – compete for the title of world champion. The event most associated with the concept i ...

, the closest they have come to winning a medal was in

1970 Events January * January 1 – Unix time epoch reached at 00:00:00 UTC. * January 5 – The 7.1 Tonghai earthquake shakes Tonghai County, Yunnan province, China, with a maximum Mercalli intensity scale, Mercalli intensity of X (''Extrem ...

and 1978, where they finished fourth. In 12 attempts at the

Summer Olympics The Summer Olympic Games (french: link=no, Jeux olympiques d'été), also known as the Games of the Olympiad, and often referred to as the Summer Olympics, is a major international multi-sport event normally held once every four years. The inau ...

, Italy has earned two silver medals, in 1980 and 2004. Currently, Italy is ranked 10th in the

FIBA World Rankings The FIBA Men's World Ranking are FIBA's rankings of national basketball teams. FIBA ranks both men's and women's national teams for both senior and junior competitions. It also publishes combined rankings for all mixed-sex competitions. Not incl ...

History

The Early Years (1926–39)

The first match of the Italian national basketball team was played on 4 April 1926 in

Milan Milan ( , , Lombard: ; it, Milano ) is a city in northern Italy, capital of Lombardy, and the second-most populous city proper in Italy after Rome. The city proper has a population of about 1.4 million, while its metropolitan city h ...

, and it ended with a victory over France 23–17. Italy's first participation in the Olympic Games was at the

1936 Summer Olympics The 1936 Summer Olympics (German: ''Olympische Sommerspiele 1936''), officially known as the Games of the XI Olympiad (German: ''Spiele der XI. Olympiade'') and commonly known as Berlin 1936 or the Nazi Olympics, were an international multi-sp ...

in Berlin, placing seventh out of twenty-one teams. At the

EuroBasket 1937 The 1937 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1937, was the second FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA. Eight national teams affiliated with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) took pa ...

Italy placed second behind Lithuania, after being beaten by just one point in the final game. The silver medal was repeated at

EuroBasket 1946 The 1946 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1946, was the fourth FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA and the first since 1939 due to World War II. Ten national teams affiliated with the Internat ...

The Difficult Postwar Period (1946–69)

Following the end of World War II, the Azzurri went through difficult times and not only failed to qualify for two Summer Olympics and three consecutive world championships but struggled in Europe as well. This was also reflected at the technical level with the alternation of several head coaches within only a few years. Of special importance was Italy's decision not to compete at the

EuroBasket 1949 The 1949 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1949, was the sixth FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA. Seven national teams affiliated with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) took par ...

, in order to mourn for the victims of the

Superga air disaster The Superga air disaster occurred on 4 May 1949, when a Fiat G.212 of Avio Linee Italiane (Italian Airlines), carrying the entire Torino football team (popularly known as the ''Grande Torino''), crashed into the retaining wall at the back of th ...

. It was the first time that the squad missed a

. In 1957, as Nello Paratore took the head coach position (which he held for 11 years) Italy made only slight improvements from the previous decade. At the

1960 Summer Olympics The 1960 Summer Olympics ( it, Giochi Olimpici estivi del 1960), officially known as the Games of the XVII Olympiad ( it, Giochi della XVII Olimpiade) and commonly known as Rome 1960 ( it, Roma 1960), were an international multi-sport event held ...

in Rome, Italy showed its most impressive performance to this point where it placed fourth, only behind USA, USSR and Brazil. Curiously, the organizational expenses of the Olympics in Rome resulted in the decision not to participate in the

EuroBasket 1961 The 1961 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1961, was the twelfth FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA Europe. Nineteen national teams affiliated with the International Basketball Federation ...

The Decade of Giancarlo Primo (1969–79)

In 1969,

Giancarlo Primo Giancarlo Primo (November 4, 1924, Rome – December 27, 2005, Civita Castellana, Italy) was an Italian professional basketball player and coach. He was a coach of the FIBA European Selection team in 1974, 1975, and 1976. In 2001, he was awarded ...

became Italy's coach, focusing the game strategies on defense. Under his leadership the Italian national team grew stronger, claiming a place among the world's elite. Under Primo, the Azzuri won two European bronze medals and earned two fourth-place finishes at the FIBA World Cup. Further, Italy finished fourth at the

1972 Summer Olympics The 1972 Summer Olympics (), officially known as the Games of the XX Olympiad () and commonly known as Munich 1972 (german: München 1972), was an international multi-sport event held in Munich, West Germany, from 26 August to 11 September 1972. ...

where it lost the match for third place to

Cuba Cuba ( , ), officially the Republic of Cuba ( es, República de Cuba, links=no ), is an island country comprising the island of Cuba, as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos. Cuba is located where the northern Caribbea ...

by only one point.
Among the leading players of the national team were the young Meneghin, Marzorati, Villalta and Bariviera.

The Successful Years of Gamba (1979–85)

In 1979

Sandro Gamba Alessandro "Sandro" Gamba (born 3 June 1932) is an Italian former professional basketball player and coach. Gamba was a finalist for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005, and was elected as a member in 2006. He ...

replaced Primo, leading Italy to its biggest triumphs till then: a silver at the

1980 Summer Olympics The 1980 Summer Olympics (russian: Летние Олимпийские игры 1980, Letniye Olimpiyskiye igry 1980), officially known as the Games of the XXII Olympiad (russian: Игры XXII Олимпиады, Igry XXII Olimpiady) and commo ...

in Moscow, a gold at

EuroBasket 1983 The 1983 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1983, was the 23rd FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA Europe. It took place from 26 May to 4 June 1983 in France. Italy defeated Spain in the final ...

in Nantes, and a bronze at the

EuroBasket 1985 The 1985 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1985, was the 24th FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA Europe. It took place from 5 to 16 June 1985 in West Germany. The Soviet Union defeated Czec ...

in Stuttgart. As in the years before, Meneghin, Marzorati and Villalta were the cornerstones of the team, complemented by players such as Riva and Brunamonti. This episode in time stands out to this day as the most successful in the history of the Italian national team.

The National Crisis of 1983: Bianchini and leg-a (1985–92)

Following these outstanding accomplishments was another period of crisis, first under Coach Valerio Bianchini (replaced in 1985), and then another six years of modest success where the biggest accomplishment was silver at the

EuroBasket 1991 The 1991 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1991, was the 27th FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA Europe. It was held in Italy between 24 and 29 June 1991. Eight national teams entered the eve ...

Rome , established_title = Founded , established_date = 753 BC , founder = King Romulus (legendary) , image_map = Map of comune of Rome (metropolitan city of Capital Rome, region Lazio, Italy).svg , map_caption ...

, which was called to end Ettore Messina, who took over in 1992. In the same year Enrico Vinci stepped down as President of the Italian Basketball Federation after 16 years. The place was taken over by Giovanni Petrucci.

The Messina-Tanjevic Era (1992–2001)

Ettore Messina Ettore Messina (born 30 September 1959) is an Italian professional basketball coach who is the head coach of Olimpia Milano of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). He has won four EuroLeague championships as a head coach. Messina is regarded a ...

became Italy's coach in 1992, winning a silver medal at

EuroBasket 1997 The 1997 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1997, was the 30th FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship held by FIBA Europe, which also served as Europe qualifier for the 1998 FIBA World Championship, giving a ber ...

in Barcelona. This medal was the main accomplishment of coach Messina, who served the team for five years. Yet, he failed to qualify for the

Olympic Games The modern Olympic Games or Olympics (french: link=no, Jeux olympiques) are the leading international sporting events featuring summer and winter sports competitions in which thousands of athletes from around the world participate in a var ...

and the

. A great disappointment was suffered at the 1998 World Cup in Athens, when a team with Fučka, Myers and Meneghin was believed to aspire to the podium but only finished sixth.

Bogdan Tanjević Bogdan Tanjević ( sr-cyr, Богдан Тањевић; born 13 February 1947), nicknamed "Boša" ( it, Boscia) is a Montenegrin professional basketball coach and former player. He is best known for being KK Bosna's head coach when the club beca ...

replaced Messina and led Italy to the triumph at the

EuroBasket 1999 The 1999 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1999, was the 31st FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship held by FIBA Europe, which also served as Europe qualifier for the 2000 Olympic Tournament, giving a berth ...

, the first gold medal in 16 years. The second gold medal at a European Basketball Championship arrived after beating Spain in the final game. After a ninth place at

EuroBasket 2001 The 2001 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 2001, was the 32nd FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship held by FIBA Europe, which also served as Europe qualifier for the 2002 FIBA World Championship, giving a be ...

, held in Turkey,

Carlo Recalcati Carlo Recalcati (born September 11, 1945 in Milan, Italy) is an Italian professional basketball coach, and a former player. He was the head coach of the senior Italian national basketball team, from 2001 to 2009, and led them to the silver medal ...

was called to replace Tanjević. Recalcati could count on Italy's top talents

Gregor Fučka Gregor Fučka (; born 7 August 1971) is a Slovenian-Italian retired professional basketball player and coach. A 215 cm (7' ") forward-center, he was a both a Mister Europa and Euroscar laureate in 2000. Professional career Fučka playe ...

and

Carlton Myers Carlton Ettore Francesco Myers (born 30 March 1971) is an Italian former professional basketball player that played in the Lega Basket Serie A, Italian league and the EuroLeague. Myers was initially raised in the United Kingdom. One of the best ...

, as well as valuable contributors such as Basile, Abbio and Chiacig.

The Recalcati Era (2001–09)

At the

EuroBasket 2003 The 2003 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 2003, was the 33rd FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship held by FIBA Europe, which also served as the Europe qualifier for the 2004 Summer Olympics, giving a berth ...

, Italy showed a strong performances and defeated

Germany Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...

and

Greece Greece,, or , romanized: ', officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the southern tip of the Balkans, and is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Greece shares land borders with ...

but was later kicked out by

Spain , image_flag = Bandera de España.svg , image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg , national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond") , national_anthem = (English: "Royal March") , i ...

in the semifinals. The victory against France in the bronze medal game guaranteed the team's qualification at the

2004 Summer Olympics The 2004 Summer Olympics ( el, Θερινοί Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες 2004, ), officially the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad ( el, Αγώνες της 28ης Ολυμπιάδας, ) and also known as Athens 2004 ( el, Αθήνα 2004), ...

in Athens. Italy won a silver medal in that event and was stopped only in the final game by

Argentina Argentina (), officially the Argentine Republic ( es, link=no, República Argentina), is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina covers an area of , making it the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, th ...

. Most important, this silver seemed to be worth much more than that of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow where several top teams, including the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

and

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...

were absent for a boycott.
Since then, the Azzurri experienced years of only skimpy satisfaction: after the Summer Olympics in Greece, the team collected three ninth-place finishes, two at the EuroBasket and one at the 2006 World Cup. Subsequently, the team failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the

EuroBasket 2009 The 2009 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 2009, was the 36th FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship held by FIBA Europe. The tournament, which was hosted by Poland, began on 7 September and concluded with the ...

and the

2010 World Cup , image = 2010 FIFA World Cup.svg , size = 200px , caption = ''Ke Nako. (Tswana and Sotho for "It's time") Celebrate Africa's Humanity'It's time. Celebrate Africa's Humanity'' (English)''Dis tyd. Vier Afrika se mensd ...

.
Despite the increasing internationalization of the

NBA The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America. The league is composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada) and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United St ...

(especially towards European players) and a steady presence of Italian players, (including the historic first overall pick

Andrea Bargnani Andrea Bargnani (; born 26 October 1985) is an Italian former professional basketball player. The 7 ft 0 in (213 cm) power forward- center played for Benetton Treviso in the Italian LBA and the EuroLeague before being selected firs ...

of the 2006 NBA Draft) the national team performed poorly in these years. The reasons for this phenomenon are simple: low contribution of NBA athletes, ageing guards ( Massimo Bulleri and

Gianluca Basile Gianluca Basile (born 24 January 1975) is an Italian former professional basketball player. At a height of 1.92 m (6'3 ") tall and a weight of 95 kg (210 lbs.), he mainly played at the shooting guard position. He is considered one of th ...

, who were the highlights of Athens already in their thirties) and the lack of young talent. The reason for the seeming lack of talent were caused by the difficulty that Italian talents had in the national championships

Serie A The Serie A (), also called Serie A TIM for national sponsorship with TIM, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and the winner is awarded the Scudetto and the Coppa ...

. There, they faced strong competition especially from American and European players. It comes as no coincidence that the team that absolutely dominated in the last years,

Montepaschi Siena Mens Sana 1871 Basket is an Italian professional basketball club based in Siena. It is a section of the sports club Polisportiva Mens Sana, founded in 1871. Under the name Montepaschi Siena, derived from sponsor Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, ...

rarely had Italians in the starting lineup.
During these years, the

went through some changes at the top executives level. Fausto Maifredi (in office since 1999) left and the Federation's first commissioner

Dino Meneghin Dino Meneghin (, ; born 18 January 1950) is an Italian former professional basketball player. He is widely considered to be the best Italian player ever, as well as one of Europe's all-time greats. A 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) tall center, Meneghi ...

changed the rules by mandating for the commissioner to be the league's president as well.
Meanwhile, Italy failed to qualify for the European Championship in 2009, for the first time since

1961 Events January * January 3 ** United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower announces that the United States has severed diplomatic and consular relations with Cuba ( Cuba–United States relations are restored in 2015). ** Aero Flight 311 ...

. Curiously, 2009 is the first year where the Azzurri failed to qualify for sports-related reasons. Both absences ( 1949 and 1961) were due to non-sporting reasons. Following the disappointment CT Recalcati left and was replaced by

Simone Pianigiani Simone Pianigiani (born 31 May 1969) is an Italian professional basketball coach currently acting as a team consultant for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association. Coaching career Pro clubs Pianigiani was appointed the head coa ...

. Pianigiani coached both the national team and

Mens Sana Basket Mens Sana 1871 Basket is an Italian professional basketball club based in Siena. It is a section of the sports club Polisportiva Mens Sana, founded in 1871. Under the name Montepaschi Siena, derived from sponsor Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, t ...

, which for years dominated the

Coach Pianigiani (2009–2015)

The team with Coach Pianigiani was able to qualify for the

EuroBasket 2011 EuroBasket 2011 was the 37th men's European Basketball Championship, held by FIBA Europe. The competition was hosted by Lithuania. This was the second time EuroBasket had been held in Lithuania, the country having also hosted the 1939 cha ...

due to an

FIBA The International Basketball Federation (FIBA ; French: ) is an association of national organizations which governs the sport of basketball worldwide. Originally known as the (hence FIBA), in 1989 it dropped the word ''amateur'' from its na ...

decision to expand the tournament. Later, Coach Pianigiani was able to secure Italy a spot at the

EuroBasket 2015 EuroBasket 2015 was the 39th edition of the EuroBasket championship that was organized by FIBA Europe. It was co-hosted by Croatia, France, Germany, and Latvia, making it the first EuroBasket held in more than one country. It started on 5 S ...

Ettore Messina, the return (2015–2017)

From 5 November 2015,

returned to be head coach of the Italian national team simultaneously with his appointment as assistant-coach of the

club

San Antonio Spurs The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio. The Spurs compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Western Conference (NBA), Western Conference Southwest Division ( ...

. On 9 July 2016, Italy was defeated by

Croatia , image_flag = Flag of Croatia.svg , image_coat = Coat of arms of Croatia.svg , anthem = "Lijepa naša domovino"("Our Beautiful Homeland") , image_map = , map_caption = , capit ...

in the Finals of the

FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament The FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, formerly known as the FIBA Pre-Olympic Basketball Tournament, is the last qualifying tournament for the Olympic Basketball Tournament. The best non-champions from the different FIBA World zones quali ...

Turin Turin ( , Piedmontese language, Piedmontese: ; it, Torino ) is a city and an important business and cultural centre in Northern Italy. It is the capital city of Piedmont and of the Metropolitan City of Turin, and was the first Italian capital ...

, failing the qualification for the Olympics in

Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro ( , , ; literally 'River of January'), or simply Rio, is the capital of the state of the same name, Brazil's third-most populous state, and the second-most populous city in Brazil, after São Paulo. Listed by the GaWC as a b ...

. Prior to

EuroBasket 2017 EuroBasket 2017 was the 40th edition of the EuroBasket championship that was organized by FIBA Europe and held between 31 August and 17 September 2017. Beginning from 2017, the continental championships take place every four years with a similar ...

, Ettore Messina announced he would leave the bench of Italy's national team after the tournament. At the EuroBasket 2017, Coach Messina and his players were able to lock up third place in Group B of the preliminary phase and set up a Round of 16 date with

Finland Finland ( fi, Suomi ; sv, Finland ), officially the Republic of Finland (; ), is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of B ...

. There they reached the

Quarterfinals A single-elimination, knockout, or sudden death tournament is a type of elimination tournament where the loser of each match-up is immediately eliminated from the tournament. Each winner will play another in the next round, until the final matc ...

, after a supreme performance from

Marco Belinelli Marco Stefano Belinelli (; born 25 March 1986) is an Italian professional basketball player and the team captain for Virtus Bologna of the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. He was selected 18th overall in the 2007 NBA draft by the ...

to lead the Azzurri. However, Italy would fall against

Serbia Serbia (, ; Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), officially the Republic of Serbia (Serbian language, Serbian: , , ), is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe, Southeastern and Central Europe, situated at the crossroads of the Pannonian Bas ...

83–67, failing to setup an semifinals clash against

Russia Russia (, , ), or the Russian Federation, is a List of transcontinental countries, transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia, Northern Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, largest country in the ...

Romeo Sacchetti Era (2017–2022)

Italy named

Romeo Sacchetti Romeo "Meo" Sacchetti (born August 20, 1953) is an Italian professional basketball coach and former player who is currently a head coach for Pallacanestro Cantù of the Serie A2. Standing at a height of 1.99 m (6 ft. 6 in.), he played ...

new head coach of the national team after the

Eurobasket 2017 EuroBasket 2017 was the 40th edition of the EuroBasket championship that was organized by FIBA Europe and held between 31 August and 17 September 2017. Beginning from 2017, the continental championships take place every four years with a similar ...

. Sacchetti, who is also coach of

Vanoli Cremona Guerino Vanoli Basket, also known as Vanoli Cremona, is a professional basketball team of the city of Cremona. The team played in the LBA, the top Italian basketball league, for 12 years until 2021. From 1999 to 2011 the society had the name of ...

, began his new job during the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Gianmarco Pozzecco Era (2022–present)

Gianmarco Pozzecco Gianmarco Pozzecco (born 15 September 1972) is an Italian professional basketball coach and former player. Currently, he is the head coach of the senior men's Italy national team. Pozzecco is one of the best known figures in the Italian basket ...

took over in 2022, coaching the team to the

EuroBasket 2022 The EuroBasket 2022 was the 41st edition of the EuroBasket championship organized by FIBA Europe. It was the first since it was agreed it would take place every four years, with a similar system of qualification as for the FIBA Basketball World C ...

, co-hosted by Italy. After a 3–2 record in Group C of the preliminary round, Italy upset favoured

in the round of 16. Despite 29 points from reigning

NBA MVP The National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) award given since the 1955–56 season to the best performing player of the regular season. Starting with the 2022–23 ...

Nikola Jokić and coach Pozzecco being ejected, Italy managed to win the game after overtime. The game was deemed as one of the greatest upsets in EuroBasket history, and coach Pozzecco proclaimed the game to be "probably the best match in the history of Italian basketball". In the quarter-finals, Italy lost after overtime to

France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...

Competitive record

FIBA World Cup

Olympic Games

EuroBasket

Results and fixtures

2021

2022

2023

Team

Current roster

Roster for the

Depth chart

Head coach history

Individual records

Players with the most caps (games played)

*Players in bold, are players that are still active.

Players with the most points scored

*Players in bold, are players that are still active.

Highest individual scoring games

* 46

Antonello Riva Antonello Riva (born 28 February 1962) is an Italian former professional basketball player. At 1.96 m (6'5"), he played at the shooting guard and small forward positions. During his playing career, he was nicknamed "Nembo Kid" (Italian version of ...

– 29 October 1987 vs. * 45

Lino Cappelletti Lino may refer to: * Lino, short for linoleum, a common flooring material * Lino, slang for linesman, the former name (still in widespread common use) for an assistant referee in football * Lino, slang for a habitual user of the narcotic cocaine ...

– 15 September 1956 vs. * 41

– 8 August 1990 vs. * 40 Claudio Malagoli – 25 May 1978 vs. * 40

– 10 August 1984 vs. * 39

– 18 July 1986 vs. * 37

– 24 June 1992 vs. * 36

– 2 September 2011 vs. * 36

– 3 December 1997 vs. * 35 Danilo Gallinari – 30 August 2015 vs. * 35

– 9 August 1990 vs.

Past rosters

1935 EuroBasket: finished 7th among 10 teams 3

Gino Basso Gino Basso (born September 14, 1914) was an Italian basketball player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Italian basketball team, which finished seventh in the Basketball at the 1936 Summer Olympics, Olympic tournament. H ...

, 4 Bruno Caracoi, 5 Livio Franceschini, 6 Emilio Giassetti, 7

Giancarlo Marinelli Giancarlo Marinelli (4 December 1915 – 12 May 1987) was an Italian basketball player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics and the 1948 Summer Olympics. He was born in Bologna Bologna (, , ; egl, label=Emilian language, Emi ...

, 8 Sergio Paganella, 9 Egidio Premiani, 10 Ezio Varisco (Coach: Attilio De Filippi) ---- 1936 Olympic Games: finished 7th among 21 teams 1 Ambrogio Bessi, 2 Galeazzo Dondi, 3 Livio Franceschini, 4 Emilio Giassetti, 5 Enrico Castelli, 6

, 7 Sergio Paganella, 8 Egidio Premiani, 9

, 10 Adolfo Mazzini, 11

Mario Novelli Mario Novelli (26 February 1940 – 21 August 2016) was an Italian actor. He appeared in more than sixty films from 1962. He died on 21 August 2016. Filmography References External links * 1940 births Italian male film actors ...

, 12 Michele Pelliccia, 13 Remo Piana (Coach:

Decio Scuri Decio Scuri (March 18, 1905 in Naples, Italy – April 22, 1980 in Rome, Italy) was an Italian basketball coach and administrator. He coached Italy national basketball team at the 1936 Olympics and 1939 European Championship. He served as the pres ...

) ---- 1937 EuroBasket: finished 2nd among 8 teams 3 Ambrogio Bessi, 4 Galeazzo Dondi, 5 Livio Franceschini, 6 Emilio Giassetti, 7

, 8 Camillo Marinone, 9 Sergio Paganella, 10 Mino Pasquini, 11 Michele Pelliccia, 12 Ezio Varisco (Coach: Guido Graziani) ----

1939 EuroBasket The 1939 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1939, was the third FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA. Eight national teams affiliated with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) took par ...

: finished 6th among 8 teams 3

, 4 Mino Pasquini, 5

, 7 Michele Pelliccia, 8 Gelsomino Girotti, 9 Ambrogio Bessi, 10 Giuseppe Bernini, 11 Aldo Tambone, 12 Bruno Renner, 13 Giovanbattista Pellegrini, 14 Venzo Vannini (Coach:

) ---- 1946 EuroBasket: finished 2nd among 10 teams 3

, 5 Mario Cattarini, 6 Venzo Vannini, 7 Tullio Pitacco, 8 Armando Fagarazzi, 9

Cesare Rubini Cesare, the Italian version of the given name Caesar, may refer to: Given name * Cesare, Marquis of Beccaria (1738–1794), an Italian philosopher and politician * Cesare Airaghi (1840–1896), Italian colonel * Cesare Arzelà (1847–1912), I ...

, 11 Sergio Stefanini, 12 Valentino Pellarini, 13 Albino Bocciai, 14 Marcello de Nardus, 20 Giuseppe Stefanini (Coach: ?) ---- 1947 EuroBasket: finished 9th among 14 teams 3

, 4 Marcello de Nardus, 5 Mario Cattarini, 6 Guido Garlato, 7 Giovanni Miliani, 8 Armando Fagarazzi, 10

Sergio Ferriani Sergio Ferriani (30 November 1925 – 30 November 2001) was an Italian basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1948 Summer Olympics and the 1952 Summer Olympics. References

1925 births 2001 deaths Italian me ...

, 11 Severino Radici, 12 Valentino Pellarini, 13

, 14 Carlo Cerioni, 15

Vittorio Tracuzzi Vittorio Tracuzzi (2 January 1923 – 21 October 1986) was an Italian basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1948 Summer Olympics. References External links

* 1923 births 1986 deaths Italian men's basketb ...

, 16 Massimo Lucentini, 23 Enrico Garbosi (Coach: Elliott van Zandt) ---- 1948 Olympic Games: finished 17th among 23 teams 3

, 4 Gianfranco Bersani, 5

Vittorio Tracuzzi Vittorio Tracuzzi (2 January 1923 – 21 October 1986) was an Italian basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1948 Summer Olympics. References External links

* 1923 births 1986 deaths Italian men's basketb ...

, 6

, 7 Romeo Romanutti, 8 Luigi Rapini, 9 Carlo Cerioni, 10

1925 births 2001 deaths Italian me ...

, 11

Federico Marietti Federico Marietti (9 December 1925 – 9 July 1995) was an Italian basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1948 Summer Olympics and the 1952 Summer Olympics. References External links

* 1925 births 1995 de ...

, 12 Valentino Pellarini, 13 Giovanni Nesti, 14 Ezio Mantelli, 15

Renzo Ranuzzi Renzo Ranuzzi (15 July 1924 – 16 March 2014) was an Italian basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1948 Summer Olympics and the 1952 Summer Olympics The 1952 Summer Olympics ( fi, Kesäolympialaiset 1952; sv, Ol ...

, 33 Sergio Stefanini (Coach: Elliott van Zandt) ----

1951 EuroBasket The 1951 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1951, was the seventh FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA. Eighteen national teams affiliated with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) en ...

: finished 5th among 17 teams 3

, 4 Gianfranco Bersani, 5

Vittorio Tracuzzi Vittorio Tracuzzi (2 January 1923 – 21 October 1986) was an Italian basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1948 Summer Olympics. References External links

* 1923 births 1986 deaths Italian men's basketb ...

, 6 Dino Zucchi, 7 Romeo Romanutti, 8

Giorgio Bongiovanni Giorgio Bongiovanni (born 4 March 1926) is an Italian former basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1952 Summer Olympics. References

1926 births Living people Italian men's basketball players Olympic basketball ...

, 9

, 10 Giuseppe Sforza, 11

* 1925 births 1995 de ...

, 12 Enrico Pagani, 13 Carlo Cerioni, 14 Mario de Carolis, 15 Enzo Ferretti, 33 Sergio Stefanini (Coach: Elliott van Zandt) ---- 1952 Olympic Games: finished 17th among 23 teams 3

Giorgio Bongiovanni Giorgio Bongiovanni (born 4 March 1926) is an Italian former basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1952 Summer Olympics. References

1926 births Living people Italian men's basketball players Olympic basketball ...

, 4 Carlo Cerioni, 5

, 6 Sergio Marelli, 7 Luigi Rapini, 8 Fabio Presca, 9 Enrico Pagani, 10

1925 births 2001 deaths Italian me ...

, 11

* 1925 births 1995 de ...

, 12 Dino Zucchi, 13 Sergio Stefanini, 15 Giordano Damiani, 16 Achille Canna (Coach:

Vittorio Tracuzzi Vittorio Tracuzzi (2 January 1923 – 21 October 1986) was an Italian basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1948 Summer Olympics. References External links

* 1923 births 1986 deaths Italian men's basketb ...

) ---- 1953 EuroBasket: finished 7th among 17 teams 3 Tonino Zorzi, 4 Carlo Cerioni, 5

Giorgio Bongiovanni Giorgio Bongiovanni (born 4 March 1926) is an Italian former basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1952 Summer Olympics. References

1926 births Living people Italian men's basketball players Olympic basketball ...

, 6 Stelio Posar, 7 Alberto Margheritini, 8 Alessandro Riminucci, 9

, 10 Achille Canna, 11

Antonio Calebotta Antonio Calebotta (30 June 1930 – 23 February 2002) was an Italian basketball player. He was part of the Italian team that finished fourth at the 1960 Summer Olympics. References

1930 births 2002 deaths Olympic basketball players of ...

, 12 Nicola Porcelli, 13 Giuseppe Lomazzi, 14 Romano Forastieri, 15 Mario Alesini, 16 Rino di Cera (Coach:

Vittorio Tracuzzi Vittorio Tracuzzi (2 January 1923 – 21 October 1986) was an Italian basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1948 Summer Olympics. References External links

* 1923 births 1986 deaths Italian men's basketb ...

) ---- 1955 EuroBasket: finished 6th among 18 teams 3 Giordano Damiani, 4 Adelino Cappelletti, 5 Vinicio Nesti, 6 Adelino Costanzo, 7 Alberto Margheritini, 8 Alessandro Gamba, 9 Silvio Lucev, 10 Alessandro Riminucci, 11 Elvio Bizzaro, 13 Germano Gambini, 14 Stelio Posar, 15 Gianfranco Sardagna, 16 Sergio Macoratti (Coach: Jim McGregor) ----

1957 EuroBasket The 1957 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1957, was the tenth FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA Europe. Sixteen national teams affiliated with the International Basketball Federation (FIB ...

: finished 10th among 16 teams 4 Gianni Zagatti, 5 Marcello Motto, 6 Cesare Volpato, 7 Stelio Posar, 8 Alessandro Gamba, 10 Paolo Conti, 11 Rolando Rocchi, 12 Vittorio Pomilio, 13 Sergio Macoratti, 14 Antonio Costanzo, 15 Mario Alesini, 16 Giancarlo Sarti (Coach: Carmine "Nello" Paratore) ---- 1959 EuroBasket: finished 10th among 17 teams 3 Paolo Conti, 4 Cesare Volpato, 5 Silvio Lucev, 6 Gabriele Vianello, 7 Gianfranco Pieri, 8 Enrico de Carli, 9 Mario Alesini, 10 Achille Canna, 11

Antonio Calebotta Antonio Calebotta (30 June 1930 – 23 February 2002) was an Italian basketball player. He was part of the Italian team that finished fourth at the 1960 Summer Olympics. References

1930 births 2002 deaths Olympic basketball players of ...

, 12 Giovanni Gavagnin, 13

Gianfranco Lombardi Gianfranco "Franco" Lombardi (20 March 1941 – 22 January 2021) was an Italian professional basketball player and coach. During his playing career, his nickname was "Dado". In 2006, he was inducted into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame. Pr ...

, 14 Claudio Velluti (Coach: Carmine "Nello" Paratore) ---- 1960 Olympic Games: finished 4th among 16 teams 3

Augusto Giomo Augusto Giomo (3 February 1940 – 27 January 2016) was an Italian basketball player. He competed at the 1960 and 1964 Olympics and finished in fourth and fifth place, respectively. His younger brother Giorgio Giomo, Giorgio played for Italy at t ...

, 4 Gabriele Vianello, 5 Sandro Riminucci, 6

, 7 Gianfranco Pieri, 8 Alessandro Gamba, 9 Mario Alesini, 10 Achille Canna, 11

Antonio Calebotta Antonio Calebotta (30 June 1930 – 23 February 2002) was an Italian basketball player. He was part of the Italian team that finished fourth at the 1960 Summer Olympics. References

1930 births 2002 deaths Olympic basketball players of ...

, 12

Paolo Vittori Paolo Vittori (born 31 May 1938) is a retired Italian professional basketball player and coach. In 2006, he was inducted into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame. Professional career Vittori was a member of the FIBA European Selection, in 196 ...

, 13 Giovanni Gavagnin, 14 Gianfranco Sardagna (Coach: Carmine "Nello" Paratore) ---- 1963 FIBA World Cup: finished 7th among 13 teams 4

, 5 Giusto Pellanera, 6

, 7 Giambattista Cescutti, 8 Franco Bertini, 9

, 10 Sandro Riminucci, 11 Guido Carlo Gatti, 12

Massimo Masini Massimo Masini (born 9 May 1945) is a former Italian professional basketball player and coach. At a height of tall, he played at the center position. He was named one of FIBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1991. Club career Masini spent the major p ...

, 13 Giovanni Gavagnin, 14 Gabriele Vianello, 15 Vittorio dal Pozzo (Coach: Carmine "Nello" Paratore) ----

1963 EuroBasket The 1963 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1963, was the thirteenth FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA Europe. Sixteen national teams affiliated with the International Basketball Federation ...

: finished 12th among 16 teams 4 Ettore Zuccheri, 5 Giusto Pellanera, 6 Valerio Vatteroni, 7

, 8 Claudio Velluti, 9

, 10 Stefano Albanese, 11 Antonio Frigerio, 12 Alfredo Barlucchi, 13

Sauro Bufalini Sauro Bufalini (28 April 1941 – 1 April 2012) was an Italian professional basketball player and coach. He was inducted into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame, in 2011. Career Bufalini was a member of the FIBA European Selection team, in ...

, 14 Santo Rossi, 15

Massimo Cosmelli Massimo Cosmelli (born 6 August 1943) is a retired Italian basketball player. He won a bronze medal at the 1971 European Championships and finished fourth at the 1965 European Championships and eighth at the 1968 Summer Olympics The 1968 Summ ...

(Coach: Carmine "Nello" Paratore) ---- 1964 Olympic Games: finished 5th among 16 teams 4

, 5 Giusto Pellanera, 6

, 7 Gianfranco Pieri, 8 Franco Bertini, 9

, 10 Gianfranco Sardagna, 11

Ottorino Flaborea Ottorino Flaborea (born 5 March 1940) is a retired Italian professional basketball player and coach. His nickname as a player, was "Captain Hook", due to his great hook shot. He was inducted into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame, in 2008. Cl ...

, 12

, 13

, 14 Gabriele Vianello, 15 Giovanni Gavagnin (Coach: Carmine "Nello" Paratore) ---- 1965 EuroBasket: finished 4th among 16 teams 4 Giambattista Cescutti, 5 Giusto Pellanera, 6

, 7

, 8 Franco Bertini, 9 Tonino Zorzi, 10 Gabriele Vianello, 11 Guido Carlo Gatti, 12

, 13

, 14 Sandro Spinetti, 15

(Coach: Carmine "Nello" Paratore) ---- 1967 FIBA World Cup: finished 9th among 13 teams 4 Massimo Villetti, 5 Giusto Pellanera, 6

, 7

, 8 Alberto Merlati, 9 Fernando Fattori, 10

Gianluigi Jessi Gianluigi Jessi (born 7 July 1945) is a retired Italian basketball player. He was part of the Italian team that finished eighth at the 1968 Summer Olympics The 1968 Summer Olympics ( es, Juegos Olímpicos de Verano de 1968), officially known ...

, 11 Gianfranco Fantin, 12 Giuseppe Rundo, 13

, 14

, 15 Enrico Bovone (Coach: Carmine "Nello" Paratore) ---- 1967 EuroBasket: finished 7th among 16 teams 4 Livio Paschini, 5

Giulio Iellini Giulio Iellini (born 18 October 1947) is a retired Italian professional basketball player. In 2009, he was inducted into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame. Professional career Iellini won two EuroLeague championships, in 1966 and 1976. Ital ...

, 6

, 7 Alberto Merlati, 8

, 9 Fernando Fattori, 10 Gabriele Vianello, 11 Gianfranco Fantin, 12

, 13

, 14

, 15

(Coach: Carmine "Nello" Paratore) ---- 1968 Olympic Games: finished 8th among 16 teams 4

, 5 Giusto Pellanera, 6

, 7 Enrico Bovone, 8

, 9

, 10 Gabriele Vianello, 11 Guido Carlo Gatti, 12

, 13

, 14

, 15

(Coach: Carmine "Nello" Paratore) ---- 1969 EuroBasket: finished 6th among 12 teams 4 Renzo Bariviera, 5

Aldo Ossola Aldo Ossola (born 13 March 1945) is an Italian former basketball player. At a height of 1.92 m (6'3 "), he was a point guard with a great ability to set the offensive rhythm and game tempo for his team. He is a member of the Italian Basketball Ha ...

, 6

, 7 Enrico Bovone, 8

, 9 Paolo Bergonzoni, 10

Marino Zanatta Marino Zanatta (born 8 February 1947) is a retired Italian professional basketball player. In 2014, he was inducted into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame. Professional career Zanatta was a four time EuroLeague champion (1972, 1973, 1975, 19 ...

, 11

, 12

Giuseppe Brumatti Giuseppe "Pino" Brumatti (19 November 1948 – 21 January 2011) was an Italian professional basketball player. In 2009, he was inducted into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame. Professional career During his club career, Brumatti was the FIBA ...

, 13

Ivan Bisson Ivan Bisson (born 21 April 1946) is a retired Italy, Italian professional basketball player. Professional career Bisson was a member of the FIBA European Selection, in 1975. He was a four time EuroLeague champion (1972, 1973, 1975, 1976). Na ...

, 14

, 15

(Coach:

) ---- 1970 FIBA World Cup: finished 4th among 13 teams 4 Eligio de Rossi, 5

, 6

, 7

, 8

, 9 Renzo Bariviera, 10

, 11

, 12

, 13 Antonio Errico, 14

, 15 Edoardo Rusconi (Coach:

) ---- 1971 EuroBasket: finished 3rd among 12 teams 4

Giorgio Giomo Giorgio Giomo (born 24 May 1949) is a retired Italian basketball player who won a bronze medal at the 1971 European Championships and finished fourth at the 1972 Olympics. His elder brother Augusto competed for Italy at the 1960 and 1964 Games. ...

, 5

, 6

, 7

, 8

, 9 Renzo Bariviera, 10

, 11

, 12 Pierluigi Marzorati, 13 Luigi Serafini, 14

, 15

(Coach:

) ---- 1972 Olympic Games: finished 4th among 16 teams 4

, 5

, 6

, 7 Mauro Cerioni, 8

, 9 Renzo Bariviera, 10

, 11

, 12 Pierluigi Marzorati, 13 Luigi Serafini, 14

, 15

(Coach:

) ---- 1973 EuroBasket: finished 5th among 12 teams 4 Fabrizio della Fiori, 5

, 6 Gianni Bertolotti, 7 Mauro Cerioni, 8 Vittorio Ferracini, 9 Renzo Bariviera, 10

, 11

, 12 Pierluigi Marzorati, 13 Luigi Serafini, 14

, 15

(Coach:

) ---- 1975 EuroBasket: finished 3rd among 12 teams 4 Lorenzo Carraro, 5

, 6

, 7 Vittorio Ferracini, 8 Fabrizio della Fiori, 9 Renzo Bariviera, 10

, 11

, 12 Pierluigi Marzorati, 13

Renato Villalta Renato Villalta (born 3 February 1955 in Maserada sul Piave, province of Treviso) is a former professional basketball player from Italy. At a height of 2.04 m (6'8 ") tall, and a weight of 102 kg (225 lbs), he played at the power forwa ...

, 14

, 15 Gianni Bertolotti (Coach:

) ---- 1976 Olympic Games: finished 5th among 12 teams 4

, 5

, 6

, 7 Luciano Vendemini, 8 Fabrizio della Fiori, 9 Renzo Bariviera, 10

, 11

, 12 Pierluigi Marzorati, 13 Luigi Serafini, 14

, 15 Gianni Bertolotti (Coach:

) ---- 1977 EuroBasket: finished 4th among 12 teams 4

Carlo Caglieris Carlo Caglieris (born 2 July 1951) is an Italian former basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Caglieris is widely regarded as one of the greatest Italian point guards of his generation, having won th ...

, 5

, 6 Lorenzo Carraro, 7 Renzo Vecchiato, 8 Fabrizio della Fiori, 9 Renzo Bariviera, 10

Marco Bonamico Marco Bonamico (born 18 January 1957 in Genoa) is a former professional basketball player from Italy. At a height of 2.01 m (6'7") tall, he played at the small forward and power forward positions. During his playing career, his nickname was, "il ...

, 11

, 12 Vittorio Ferracini, 13 Luigi Serafini, 14 Pierluigi Marzorati, 15 Gianni Bertolotti (Coach:

) ---- 1978 FIBA World Cup: finished 4th among 14 teams 4

, 5

, 6 Lorenzo Carraro, 7 Vittorio Ferracini, 8 Fabrizio della Fiori, 9 Renzo Bariviera, 10

, 11

, 12

, 13 Renzo Vecchiato, 14 Pierluigi Marzorati, 15 Gianni Bertolotti (Coach:

) ----

1979 EuroBasket The 1979 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1979, was the 21st FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA Europe. Twelve national teams affiliated with the International Basketball Federation enter ...

: finished 5th among 12 teams 4

, 5

, 6 Lorenzo Carraro, 7 Domenico Zampolini, 8 Enrico Gilardi, 9

Roberto Brunamonti Roberto Brunamonti (born 14 April 1959 in Spoleto) is a retired Italian professional basketball player and coach. At a height of 191 cm (6'3") tall, he played at the point guard position. He was among the 105 player nominees for the 50 Gr ...

, 10

, 11

, 12 Vittorio Ferracini, 13 Luigi Serafini, 14 Renzo Vecchiato, 15 Gianni Bertolotti (Coach:

) ---- 1980 Olympic Games: finished 2nd among 12 teams 4 Meo Sacchetti, 5

, 6

Mike Sylvester Michael "Mike" Joseph Sylvester (born December 10, 1951) is an American and Italian retired basketball player who is currently coach at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. Due to the United States boycotting the 1980 Summer Olympics, he was the ...

, 7 Enrico Gilardi, 8 Fabrizio della Fiori, 9 Marco Solfrini, 10

, 11

, 12

, 13 Renzo Vecchiato, 14 Pierluigi Marzorati, 15

Pietro Generali Pietro Generali (born Mercandetti Generali; 23 October 1773 – 3 November 1832) was an Italian composer primarily of operas and vocal music. Generali was born in Masserano. He studied counterpoint with Giovanni Masi in Rome and spent a few ...

(Coach:

) ---- 1981 EuroBasket: finished 5th among 12 teams 4

, 6

, 7 Enrico Gilardi, 8 Ario Costa, 9 Vittorio Ferracini, 10

, 11

, 12 Domenico Zampolini, 13 Renzo Vecchiato, 14 Pierluigi Marzorati, 15

, 16 Franco Boselli (Coach:

) ----

1983 EuroBasket The 1983 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1983, was the 23rd FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA Europe. It took place from 26 May to 4 June 1983 in France. Italy defeated Spain in the final ...

: finished 1st among 12 teams 4

, 5 Alberto Tonut, 6

, 7 Enrico Gilardi, 8 Ario Costa, 9

, 10

, 11

, 12

, 13 Renzo Vecchiato, 14 Pierluigi Marzorati, 15

(Coach:

) ---- 1984 Olympic Games: finished 5th among 12 teams 4

, 5 Roberto Premier, 6

, 7 Enrico Gilardi, 8 Walter Magnifico, 9

, 10

, 11

, 12

, 13 Renzo Vecchiato, 14 Pierluigi Marzorati, 15 Meo Sacchetti (Coach:

) ----

1985 EuroBasket The 1985 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1985, was the 24th FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA Europe. It took place from 5 to 16 June 1985 in West Germany. The Soviet Union defeated Cze ...

: finished 3rd among 12 teams 4 Giampiero Savio, 5 Beppe Bosa, 6 Ario Costa, 7 Enrico Gilardi, 8 Walter Magnifico, 9

, 10

, 11 Augusto Binelli, 12 Roberto Premier, 13 Renzo Vecchiato, 14 Pierluigi Marzorati, 15 Meo Sacchetti (Coach:

) ---- 1986 FIBA World Cup: finished 6th among 24 teams 4 Roberto Premier, 5 Ario Costa, 6 Walter Magnifico, 7 Enrico Gilardi, 8 Fulvio Polesello, 9

, 10

, 11 Augusto Binelli, 12

, 13

Sandro Dell'Agnello Sandro Dell'Agnello (born 20 October 1961 in Livorno) is a former professional basketball player, and current basketball coach from Italy, who won the silver medal with his national team at the Eurobasket 1991 in Italy. Standing at a height of 2 ...

, 14 Pierluigi Marzorati, 15 Meo Sacchetti (Coach:

Valerio Bianchini Valerio Bianchini (born July 22, 1943) is an Italian professional basketball coach. He was the first coach in the history of Italian basketball who won three championship titles with three clubs (Cantù, Virtus Roma and Victoria Libertas Pesaro). ...

) ---- 1987 EuroBasket: finished 5th among 12 teams 4 Piero Montecchi, 5

Ferdinando Gentile Ferdinando Gentile, commonly known as Nando Gentile (born 1 January 1967), is an Italian former professional basketball player and coach. Playing as a point guard, Gentile had a successful pro club playing career, amassing a slew of team trophies ...

, 6 Walter Magnifico, 7 Alberto Tonut, 8 Massimo Iacopini, 9

, 10

, 11 Angelo Gilardi, 12

, 13 Riccardo Morandotti, 14 Ario Costa, 15 Flavio Carera (Coach:

) ---- 1989 EuroBasket: finished 4th among 8 teams 4 Andrea Gracis, 5

Mike D'Antoni Michael D'Andrew D'Antoni (born May 8, 1951) is an Italian-American professional basketball coach and former player who is a coaching advisor for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). While head coach of the Ph ...

, 6 Walter Magnifico, 7

, 8 Beppe Bosa, 9

, 10 Massimo Iacopini, 11 Augusto Binelli, 12

, 13 Riccardo Morandotti, 14 Ario Costa, 15 Flavio Carera (Coach:

) ---- 1990 FIBA World Cup: finished 9th among 16 teams 4 Alberto Rossini, 5

Riccardo Pittis Riccardo Pittis (born 18 December 1968 in Milan, Italy) is a former Italian professional basketball player. At a height of tall, he played at the small forward position. During his basketball playing career, he was nicknamed Acciughino (English: ...

, 6 Andrea Niccolai, 7

, 8 Giuseppe Bosa, 9

, 10 Gustavo Tolotti, 11 Francesco Vescovi, 12

, 13 Davide Pessina, 14 Alberto Vianini, 15 Davide Cantarello (Coach:

) ----

1991 EuroBasket The 1991 FIBA European Championship, commonly called FIBA EuroBasket 1991, was the 27th FIBA EuroBasket regional basketball championship, held by FIBA Europe. It was held in Italy between 24 and 29 June 1991. Eight national teams entered the eve ...

: finished 2nd among 8 teams 4 Alessandro Fantozzi, 5

, 6 Walter Magnifico, 7

, 8 Andrea Gracis, 9

, 10 Roberto Premier, 11

, 12

, 13 Davide Pessina, 14 Ario Costa, 15

Stefano Rusconi Stefano Rusconi (born October 2, 1968) is a retired Italian professional basketball player. At a height of tall, he played at the center position. Professional career Rusconi was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, in the 2nd round (52nd overal ...

(Coach:

) ---- 1993 EuroBasket: finished 9th among 16 teams 4 Claudio Coldebella, 5

, 6 Massimo Iacopini, 7 Alberto Tonut, 8 Beppe Bosa, 9

, 10

, 11

Paolo Moretti Paolo Moretti (born 30 June 1970 in Arezzo) is a former professional basketball player, and current basketball coach from Italy, who won the silver medal with his national team at the Eurobasket 1997 in Spain. Standing at a height of 2,00 m ...

, 12 Alberto Rossini, 13

Alessandro Frosini Alessandro Frosini (born 22 September 1972) is an Italian former professional basketball player. He was also a member of the Italian national basketball team.Stefano Rusconi Stefano Rusconi (born October 2, 1968) is a retired Italian professional basketball player. At a height of tall, he played at the center position. Professional career Rusconi was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, in the 2nd round (52nd overal ...

(Coach:

) ---- 1995 EuroBasket: finished 5th among 14 teams 4 Claudio Coldebella, 5

, 6 Walter Magnifico, 7

, 8

Vincenzo Esposito Vincenzo Esposito (; born March 1, 1969) is an Italian former professional basketball player and coach, he lastly worked for Germani Basket Brescia of the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA), in Italy. During his playing career, he played at the shooting g ...

, 9 Paolo Conti, 10

Alessandro Abbio Alessandro Abbio (born 13 March 1971 in Racconigi, Province of Cuneo) is an Italian former professional basketball player. Professional career Abbio was the MVP of the Italian SuperCup in 1998, and he also won the Euroleague twice; in 1997– ...

, 11

, 12 Federico Pieri, 13

(Coach:

) ---- 1997 EuroBasket: finished 2nd among 16 teams 4 Claudio Coldebella, 5

Davide Bonora Davide Bonora (born February 5, 1973) is an Italian former professional basketball player. Professional career Bonora played his whole career in Italy with the following clubs: Virtus Bologna, Scaligera Verona, Pallacanestro Treviso, Virtus Rom ...

, 6

, 7

, 8

Denis Marconato Denis Marconato (born July 29, 1975) is an Italian former professional basketball player. At a height of 2.11 m (6'11") tall, he played at the center position. Professional career Marconato joined Benetton Treviso's youth team in 1990, and with t ...

, 9

Giacomo Galanda Giacomo "Jack" Galanda (born 30 January 1975) is a retired Italian professional basketball player. He was a forward-center of 2.10 m. (6 ft. 10¾ in.) and 110 kg. (243 lbs.). Professional career Galanda was born in Udine, Friuli. H ...

, 10

, 11

, 12

, 13

Alessandro Frosini Alessandro Frosini (born 22 September 1972) is an Italian former professional basketball player. He was also a member of the Italian national basketball team.Ettore Messina Ettore Messina (born 30 September 1959) is an Italian professional basketball coach who is the head coach of Olimpia Milano of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). He has won four EuroLeague championships as a head coach. Messina is regarded a ...

) ----

1998 FIBA World Cup The 1998 FIBA World Championship was the 13th FIBA World Championship, an international basketball tournament held by the International Basketball Federation and hosted in Greece from 29 July to 9 August 1998. The tournament was contested by 16 n ...

: finished 6th among 16 teams 4

, 5

, 6 Alessandro De Pol, 7

, 8

, 9

, 10

, 11 Andrea Meneghin, 12

, 13

Alessandro Frosini Alessandro Frosini (born 22 September 1972) is an Italian former professional basketball player. He was also a member of the Italian national basketball team.Roberto Chiacig Roberto Chiacig (born 1 December 1974 in Cividale del Friuli, Italy) is an Italian former professional basketball player. Playing as a center, his most notable achievement was the silver medal obtained by the Italian national team, of which he ...

, 15 Marcelo Damiao (Coach:

) ---- 1999 EuroBasket: finished 1st among 16 teams 4

, 5

, 6

, 7

(

MVP In team sports, a most valuable player award, abbreviated 'MVP award', is an honor typically bestowed upon an individual (or individuals, in the instance of a tie) whose individual performance is the greatest in an entire league, for a particu ...

), 8

, 9 Alessandro De Pol, 10

, 11 Andrea Meneghin, 12

, 13

Michele Mian Michele Mian (born July 18, 1973 in Gorizia) is an Italian basketball shooting guard. Mian was born in Gorizia, Italy, and won the silver medal with the Italian men's national team at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. He also co ...

, 14

Roberto Chiacig Roberto Chiacig (born 1 December 1974 in Cividale del Friuli, Italy) is an Italian former professional basketball player. Playing as a center, his most notable achievement was the silver medal obtained by the Italian national team, of which he ...

, 15 Marcelo Damiao (Coach:

) ----

2000 Olympic Games The 2000 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXVII Olympiad and also known as Sydney 2000 (Dharug: ''Gadigal 2000''), the Millennium Olympic Games or the Games of the New Millennium, was an international multi-sport event held from 1 ...

: finished 5th among 12 teams 4

Germán Scarone Germán Claudio Scarone (born February 27, 1975) is an Italian-Argentine professional basketball player. He is a point guard, who is currently playing for Pallacanestro Monsummano of the Italian Serie B. Scarone made his debut with the senior me ...

, 5

, 6

, 7

, 8

, 9 Agostino Li Vecchi, 10

, 11 Andrea Meneghin, 12

, 13

, 14

, 15 Marcelo Damiao (Coach:

) ---- 2001 EuroBasket: finished 9th among 16 teams 4

Nikola Radulović Nikola Radulović (born 26 April 1973) is a Croatian-born Italian former professional basketball player. He was born in Croatia but later gained Italian citizenship and played for the Italian national basketball team. Professional career Radulo ...

, 5

, 6

, 7

, 8

, 9 Alessandro De Pol, 10 Andrea Pecile, 11 Andrea Meneghin, 12 Alex Righetti, 13

, 14

, 15 Andrea Camata (Coach:

) ---- 2003 EuroBasket: finished 3rd among 16 teams 4

, 5

, 6

, 7

Matteo Soragna Matteo Soragna (born 26 December 1975) is an Italian former professional basketball player. He can switch between all perimeter positions (shooting guard, small forward and point guard). He was part of the Italian national team that won a silver ...

, 8

, 9 Alessandro De Pol, 10 Alex Righetti, 11 Davide Lamma, 12 Massimo Bulleri, 13

, 14

, 15 Alessandro Cittadini (Coach:

) ----

2004 Olympic Games The 2004 Summer Olympics ( el, Θερινοί Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες 2004, ), officially the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad ( el, Αγώνες της 28ης Ολυμπιάδας, ) and also known as Athens 2004 ( el, Αθήνα 2004), ...

: finished 2nd among 12 teams 4

, 5

, 6

(C), 7

, 8

, 9

, 10 Alex Righetti, 11 Rodolfo Rombaldoni, 12 Massimo Bulleri, 13

, 14

, 15

Luca Garri Luca Garri (born 3 January 1982) is an Italian professional basketball player who plays for Derthona Basket of the Italian Serie A2. Professional career Garri moved to Don Bosco Livorno aged 15, loaned to Zucchetti Montecatini in 1999-00, he p ...

(Coach:

) ---- 2005 EuroBasket: finished 10th among 16 teams 4 Dante Calabria, 5

, 6

, 7

, 8

, 9

, 10 Alex Righetti, 11 Stefano Mancinelli, 12 Massimo Bulleri, 13

Marco Mordente Marco Mordente (born January 7, 1979) is an Italian former professional basketball player. He also represented the Italian national basketball team. He played at the point guard position. Career In 1998 while he was playing for Olimpia Milan ...

, 14

, 15 Angelo Gigli (Coach:

) ----

2006 FIBA World Cup The 2006 FIBA World Championship was the 15th FIBA World Championship, the international basketball world championship for men's national teams. The tournament was hosted by Japan and held from 19 August to 3 September 2006. It was co-organised by ...

: finished 9th among 24 teams 4 Fabio Di Bella, 5

, 6 Stefano Mancinelli, 7

, 8

, 9

, 10 Andrea Pecile, 11 Andrea Michelori, 12

Mason Rocca Richard Mason Rocca (born November 6, 1977) is an American born Italian retired professional basketball player who played for the Italian National Basketball Team. Born in Evanston, Illinois, his father is of Italian descent. He stands 203 cm ...

, 13

, 14

, 15 Angelo Gigli (Coach:

) ---- 2007 EuroBasket: finished 9th among 16 teams 4

, 5

, 6 Stefano Mancinelli, 7

, 8

, 9

, 10

, 11 Andrea Crosariol, 12 Massimo Bulleri, 13 Fabio Di Bella, 14

Luigi Datome Luigi "Gigi" Datome (born 27 November 1987) is an Italian professional basketball player for Olimpia Milano of the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. Standing at , he plays at the small forward and power forward positions. Datome was ...

, 15 Angelo Gigli (Coach:

) ---- 2011 EuroBasket: finished 20th among 24 teams 4 Antonio Maestranzi, 5

Marco Carraretto Marco Carraretto (born October 27, 1977) is an Italian former professional basketball player for Fortitudo Bologna and other teams in Italy. He is a 1.97 m (6 ft 5¾ in) tall, 95 kg shooting guard-small forward. Professional career Ca ...

, 6 Stefano Mancinelli, 7

, 8 Danilo Gallinari, 9

(C), 10 Andrea Cinciarini, 11

, 12 Marco Cusin, 13

, 14 Andrea Renzi, 15

Daniel Hackett Daniel Lorenzo Hackett (born December 19, 1987) is an American-Italian professional basketball player for Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. Standing at , he can play at both the point guard and shooting g ...

(Coach:

) ---- 2013 EuroBasket: finished 8th among 24 teams 4

Pietro Aradori Pietro Aradori (born 9 December 1988) is an Italian professional basketball player for Fortitudo Bologna of the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). Standing at , he plays at the shooting guard and small forward positions. Professional career The Brescia n ...

, 5

Alessandro Gentile Alessandro Gentile (born November 12, 1992) is an Italian professional basketball player who plays for APU Udine, Udine of the Serie A2 (basketball), Serie A2. Standing at 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in), he plays at the shooting guard and small forward positi ...

, 6 Guido Rosselli, 7

Luca Vitali Luca Vitali (born May 9, 1986) is an Italian professional basketball player for Pallacanestro Cantù of the Italian Serie A2. He's a versatile player who can play as a point guard, shooting guard or small forward, defending on nearly any opp ...

, 8 Giuseppe Poeta, 9

Nicolò Melli Nicolò Melli (born 26 January 1991) is an Italian-American professional basketball player and the team captain for Olimpia Milano of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. He also represents the senior Italian national team. ...

, 10

, 11

Travis Diener Travis Lyle Diener ( ; born March 1, 1982) is an American-Italian former professional basketball player who last played for Vanoli Cremona in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). He also holds Italian citizenship, and has played for the Italia ...

, 12 Marco Cusin, 13

, 14

Daniele Magro Daniele Magro (born April 14, 1987) is an Italian professional basketball player for Eurobasket Roma in the Italian Serie A2 Basket, second tier national league, as a center. Career The Padua native first played for local side Pallacanestro Pio ...

, 15 Andrea Cinciarini (Coach:

) ----

2015 EuroBasket EuroBasket 2015 was the 39th edition of the EuroBasket championship that was organized by FIBA Europe. It was co-hosted by Croatia, France, Germany, and Latvia, making it the first EuroBasket held in more than one country. It started on 5 S ...

: finished 6th among 24 teams 00 Amedeo Della Valle, 3

, 4

, 5

, 8 Danilo Gallinari, 9

, 12 Marco Cusin, 13

(C), 17

, 20 Andrea Cinciarini, 23

, 33

Achille Polonara Achille Polonara (born November 23, 1991) is an Italian professional basketball player for Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. He primarily plays at the power forward position. Professional career Teramo ...

(Coach:

) ----

2017 EuroBasket EuroBasket 2017 was the 40th edition of the EuroBasket championship that was organized by FIBA Europe and held between 31 August and 17 September 2017. Beginning from 2017, the continental championships take place every four years with a similar ...

: finished 7th among 24 teams 0

, 3

, 4

, 5 Ariel Filloy, 6 Paul Biligha, 9

, 12 Marco Cusin, 20 Andrea Cinciarini, 23

Awudu Abass Awudu Abass Abass (born 27 January 1993) is a naturalized Italian professional basketball player for Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. Standing at , he plays at the small forward position. Professional c ...

, 24

Filippo Baldi Rossi Filippo Baldi Rossi (born October 26, 1991) is an Italian professional basketball player for Pallacanestro Reggiana of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). Standing at 2.07 m (6 ft. 9 in.), he plays at the Power forward and center positions ...

, 32

Christian Burns Christian Anthony Burns (born 18 January 1974) is an English singer. He is the son of Tony Burns of The Signs, a Liverpool-based rock band signed to Decca Records in the 1960s. Career Burns was a member of the popular British band BBMak, ...

, 70

) ---- 2019 FIBA World Cup: finished 10th among 32 teams 00 Amedeo Della Valle, 3

, 5

, 6 Paul Biligha, 7

, 8 Danilo Gallinari, 10

, 12 Ariel Filloy, 15 Jeff Brooks, 16

Amedeo Tessitori Amedeo Vittorio Tessitori (born 7 October 1994) is an Italian professional basketball player for Reyer Venezia of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the Italian National Basketball. Professional career Tessitori was raised in the youth t ...

, 23

, 70

) ---- 2020 Olympic Games: finished 5th among 12 teams 0 Marco Spissu, 1

Nico Mannion Niccolò "Nico" Mannion (born March 14, 2001) is an Italian-American professional basketball player for Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. He played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats. He attend ...

, 7 Stefano Tonut, 8 Danilo Gallinari, 9

(C), 13

Simone Fontecchio Simone Fontecchio (born 9 December 1995) is an Italian professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He plays at the small forward position. Youth career Fontecchio participated in an array of you ...

, 16

, 17

Giampaolo Ricci Giampaolo Ricci (born September 27, 1991) is an Italian basketball professional player for Olimpia Milano of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. He plays at the power forward position. Ricci has also represented the Italian ...

, 24 Riccardo Moraschini, 31

Michele Vitali Michele Vitali (born October 31, 1991) is an Italian professional basketball player for Reggio Emilia of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) as a shooting guard. Personal life His brother is fellow pro basketball player Luca Vitali, Michele ha ...

, 33

, 54

Alessandro Pajola Alessandro Pajola (born 9 November 1999) is an Italian professional basketball player for Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and the EuroLeague. He is also a member of the senior Italy men's national basketball team, Italian ...

(Coach:

) ---- 2022 EuroBasket: finished 8th among 24 teams 0 Marco Spissu, 3

, 6 Paul Biligha, 7 Stefano Tonut, 9

, 13

, 16

, 17

, 25 Tommaso Baldasso, 33

, 54

, 70

)

Kit

Manufacturer

*2017–present: Spalding

Sponsor

*2015–2021:

Barilla ''Barilla'' refers to several species of salt-tolerant (halophyte) plants that, until the 19th century, were the primary source of soda ash and hence of sodium carbonate. The word "barilla" was also used directly to refer to the soda ash obtained ...

*2022–present:

ITA Airways Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A., trading as ITA Airways, is the state-owned flag carrier airline of Italy. It is fully owned by the Government of Italy via the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The airline flies to over 60 scheduled domestic, E ...

References and notes

External links

*
Italy FIBA profile

Italy National Team – Men
at Eurobasket.com

at FIBA Archive

Videos

Serbia v Italy – Highlights – EuroBasket 2022 (Round of 16)
Youtube.com video {{DEFAULTSORT:Italy National Basketball Team M Men's national basketball teams FIBA EuroBasket-winning countries 1932 establishments in Italy

History

The Early Years (1926–39)

The Difficult Postwar Period (1946–69)

The Decade of Giancarlo Primo (1969–79)

The Successful Years of Gamba (1979–85)

The National Crisis of 1983: Bianchini and leg-a (1985–92)

The Messina-Tanjevic Era (1992–2001)

The Recalcati Era (2001–09)

Coach Pianigiani (2009–2015)

Ettore Messina, the return (2015–2017)

Romeo Sacchetti Era (2017–2022)

Gianmarco Pozzecco Era (2022–present)

Competitive record

FIBA World Cup

Olympic Games

EuroBasket

Results and fixtures

2021

2022

2023

Team

Current roster

Depth chart

Head coach history

Individual records

Players with the most caps (games played)

Players with the most points scored

Highest individual scoring games

Past rosters

Kit

Manufacturer

Sponsor

See also

References and notes

External links

Videos