Milan, Nov. 30 (LaPresse) – Luca Banchi secured his first victory as head coach of the Italian national basketball team. On the second day of the World Cup qualifiers, Italy won 82-81 in Lithuania thanks to a decisive basket by Nico Mannion with 7 seconds remaining. The Azzurri were led to victory by an explosive Procida with 24 points, Tonut with 16, and Mannion with 15. After the opening loss against Iceland, this win puts Italy back in contention for qualification, tying Lithuania at 3 points. It was a victory built on concentration and determination for all 40 minutes. Combined with Great Britain’s win over Iceland, it leaves all four teams level with one win and one loss each at the end of the first window.
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