Italian NT President: We don’t lose because of referees
Gianni Petrucci primarily discussed the events that led to the ejection of Gianmarco Pozzecco in the first half
Eve of Game Day for Italbasket, who, after yesterday’s defeat against the Dominican Republic, have prepared in training for the crucial match against the Philippines. The outcome of this game is pivotal for advancing to the second phase and ensuring at least a spot in the 2024 Pre-Olympic tournament. Speaking to Italian journalists present in Manila was FIP President Gianni Petrucci. He primarily discussed the events that led to the ejection of Gianmarco Pozzecco in the first half:
“To all the coaches, I’ve said I don’t want to see incidents like yesterday’s ever again. We don’t lose because of referees; that’s an entirely wrong mindset. The Dominican Republic deserved their win; we didn’t lose because of that. One must always accept the on-court result.
The coach is aware of what he did, and he realizes it because he is an intelligent person. His good character leads him to have these reactions. We lost a game that we could lose; the Dominican Republic is a strong team, they also defeated Argentina. That’s not the point. It’s the attitude that shouldn’t be accepted; it shouldn’t exist. Pozzecco has many positive aspects, but he reacts this way. I don’t want to make it appear that he is the only one to blame, but such things can’t happen.”