Italy Defeated by Lithuania in European Under 16 Championship Semifinal
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Tbilisi, Georgia - Italy’s promising run at the european Under 16 Championship came to an end today with a 91-81 defeat at the hands of Lithuania in the semifinal match. Despite a spirited comeback attempt, the Italian team couldn’t overcome an early deficit, falling behind by as many as 18 points during the contest.
Despite the setback, italy still has an prospect to secure a medal, having already qualified for the 2025 Under 17 World Championship. They will compete for the bronze medal tomorrow, august 16th, against Slovenia, who were defeated by Serbia 90-58 in the other semifinal matchup.
Match Recap
Lithuania established control early, building a notable lead in the first quarter. Italy struggled with shooting accuracy and defensive intensity, allowing the Baltic team to gain momentum. Coach Mangone called a timeout in an attempt to rally his team, but Lithuania maintained their advantage.
The Italian squad demonstrated resilience,narrowing the gap in the second half and even coming within one point (79-80) late in the fourth quarter. Though, Lithuania ultimately held on for the victory.
Mattia Sguazzin led Italy in scoring with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Leonardo Nicolodi, Simone Ventura, Farid Campore, and Mario machetti also contributed double-digit point totals, each scoring 11, 11, and 10 points respectively.
Coach Mangone acknowledged Lithuania’s strong performance, stating, “Congratulations to Lithuania. Today it has proven more ready.We entered contracts, we did not put the usual defensive intensity and we paid for this aspect against a team that was immediatly at ease in the match. We have always chased, first from -18, then -16.And we have reached a disadvantage. This is why we were good. We missed the last paw to go on. It would have been another feat. Tomorrow ther is a game that is worth a medal, we will face it with all our qualities.”
The championship final will feature Lithuania and Serbia, scheduled for 7:00 PM local time.
Key Statistics
| Team | Points | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| lithuania | 91 | 27 | 17 | 29 | 18 |
| Italy | 81 | 17 | 17 | 24 | 23 |
Did You Know?
Italy has already secured a spot in the 2025 Under 17 World Championship, regardless of the outcome of the bronze medal game.
italy’s summer of success in youth basketball continues, following gold in the men’s under 20 division, bronze in the men’s under 18, and bronze in the women’s under 20 categories. This demonstrates a growing strength in Italian youth basketball programs.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on Mattia Sguazzin; his performance throughout the tournament has been consistently strong, and he’s a key player for Italy’s future.
What are your thoughts on Italy’s chances in the bronze medal game? do you think they can overcome Slovenia and secure a podium finish?
Past Champions
Here’s a look at recent champions of the European under 16 Championship:
- 2024: France
- 2023: Spain
- 2022: Lithuania
- 2019: Spain
- 2018: Croatia
- 2017: France
- 2016: Spain
- 2015: Bosnia and Erzegovina
- 2014: France
- 2013: Spain
The European Under 16 Championship serves as a crucial growth platform for young basketball talent. the competition provides invaluable experience and exposure for players aspiring to reach the professional ranks. The increasing investment in youth basketball programs across Europe is evident in the rising level of competition and the emergence of promising players. The tournament also highlights the importance of international collaboration and the sharing of best practices in player development. FIBA’s official website provides complete information on youth basketball initiatives and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the European Under 16 Championship? It’s an international basketball competition for players under the age of 16, organized by FIBA Europe.
- Has Italy won the European Under 16 Championship before? No, italy has not yet won the championship, but they have consistently been competitive.
- What does qualifying for the Under 17 World Championship mean for Italy? It provides a valuable opportunity for Italian players to compete against the best young talent from around the world.
- Who are some of Italy’s key players in this tournament? Mattia Sguazzin, Leonardo Nicolodi, and Simone Ventura have been standout performers for the Italian team.
- When is the bronze medal game? The bronze medal game between Italy and Slovenia is scheduled for August 16th.
we hope you enjoyed this coverage of the European Under 16 Championship. Share this article with fellow basketball fans, and don’t forget to check back for updates on Italy’s pursuit of a bronze medal! Consider subscribing to our newsletter for more in-depth sports coverage.
