European basketball, Italy defeated by Greece 81-85. Fontecchio 26 points, Antetokounmpo 25

The brave Italy falls to its feet with its leader Fontecchio who in the last quarter frighten the phenomenon Giannis, the Greek god of Milwaukee followed in the stands at the Forum by the guru Gregg Popovic, coach of San Antonio. Two triples on the iron in the final of Fontecchio himself and of the positive Tonut deny a sensational overtime that would have resulted in a comeback from -15 taking with him the enthusiasm of the Milanese Forum, exhausted with 12 thousand very hot fans. Giannis, however, is too strong.

ITALY-GREECE 81-85

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With his flights, starting from afar to take off better, Antetokounmpo immediately pushes the Hellenic national team forward, which has many solutions and talent. There is also the shooter Dorsey, a Hellenized American in Ntorsey, who throws triple in series while on the blue front Fontecchio does not repeat the great tests of the last matches. The Abruzzo winger fails the first 4 pitches, so Italy must immediately chase but manages to keep up with the pace with an excellent Polonara and Melli’s hold. At the first siren it is 19-25 for Greece who also finds ideas and points from Agravanis, precious sixth man, while Thanasis, one of Giannis’ two brothers in the team, does not combine much good. Dorsey, Sloukas and Calathes, three Euroleague big names, push the team of coach Itoudis up +12 (25-37) in the only moment of Giannis’ break. But Italy does not derail, Fontecchio finds a couple of recoveries and baskets even if he continues to have no continuity in attack. The Azzurri fight in defense and at the break, down by 7 (40-47), limits the damage by looking at the low percentages: 40% from 2 and 26% from 3 which explain the difficulties. Meanwhile Giannis is already at 15 points with 6/9 and 7 rebounds, Dorsey chases him with 13 and 4 triples, while the only blue in double figures is Polonara with 11. At the start of the recovery, Italy takes refuge in the area to to stem Giannis who resumes his show with a 2 + 1 game. Then also the left-handed Papanikolau punishes the defense of Poz from three in transition who asks him to resist and remain attached to the game and in a time out he shakes the players with some colorful expression. Giannis doesn’t stop, a bazooka would be needed. Greece at +14 but here comes Fontecchio, 4/15 shooting, which pockets two triple. But Italy from -5 finds itself at -15 hit by Agravanis and also Larentzakis. In the last quarter Giannis wants to finish the job as an MVP, but Italy does not want to finish. Tonut, Spissu and Fontecchio again for three rekindle the Forum: 77-81 with 100 ”to play. Fontecchio again for 81-84, Italy also has the possession of overtime but twice it doesn’t work. Patience. Nice response against a stronger opponent. Tomorrow is a rest day for the blue group. The next match is Monday with Ukraine again at 21. Match to win to stay in the first two places of the group.

Italy: Fontecchio 26, Polonara 14, Tonut 13

Greece: G.Antetokounmpo 25, Dorsey 23, Agravanis 13