At the Paladozza the Azzurri cancel the thud on Thursday. The Serie A bomber is the absolute protagonist. Vitali and Mannion also shine. The Netherlands have decided not to take the field against Russia
Fourth qualifying match for the 2023 World Cup. In Bologna Italy beats Iceland and hooks them in the standings (2 wins and 2 defeats). The Netherlands have decided not to take the field against Russia.
It took a leader to emerge unscathed from the dangers of a swampy challenge. And Italy has found it. Amedeo della Valle shows off an evening in “Brescia” style: 26 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. He is the one who bends, in the two central quarters, the ardor of Iceland, then resized also by Vitali, Mannion and the Flaccadori-Biligha duo. The Azzurri cancel the thud of a few days ago with a serious, proud and at times lively competition (14 triples), straightening the path to world qualification.
The match
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The atmosphere of the Paladozza does not intimidate Iceland still inebriated by the victory on Thursday: high rhythms, transition and domination under the scoreboards. For the Azzurri it is a complicated start, softened by the excellent impact of Mannion (10 points) who keeps Italy in contact. The 28-27 guest at the first siren, is the emotional fuel that Amedeo Della Valle needs to take the stage. The top scorer of the championship becomes poison when he begins to attack the basket: 10/11 to the free and 15 points at the interval at which the blues arrive with an encouraging +8 (53-45). The quality of the Azzurri rises in the second half of the first half when a careful defense stops granting second shots and in attack Italy always produces the right possessions. Biligha is alive, Flaccadori brings order, 6/12 from the arc creates self-esteem, but you have to be careful. Iceland often travels over 70% shooting in the box and the 8 offensive rebounds they allow require more intensity back there. Meanwhile, the 17 points of play Fridriksson balance a Hlinason (the one who devastated us three days ago) returned to earth.
However, the attitude with which the blues emerge from the tunnel is the right one: 8-0 partial which is worth +16 (61-45) with Iceland finally finding a wall when attacking. The blue vitality is reflected in the recoveries, even if the attack comes and goes. Della Valle and the triples of an increasingly leading Vitali keep us at a safe distance. At the third siren it is 74-62 Italy. Iceland tries to mend, but Della Valle is in one of his splash brother evenings: candy to Tessitori under the basket and two triples for +19. The guests, however, do not give up, they place an 11-3 signed by Fridriksson (already 27 points) and close at -8. Details. Italy had to win no ifs and buts. And she did.
ITALY Della Valle 26, Vitali 17, Mannion 16.
ICELAND Fridriksson 30, Gudmundsson 16, Hlinason 14.
February 27, 2022 (change February 28, 2022 | 00:47)
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