Italy, the world rally begins without Mannion. Bose: “A different but shared decision”

Italy’s long journey, led by Bouzeco, to the World Cup begins in Manila. And the first day of the meeting immediately holds a surprise. Nico Mannion, Baskonia’s new signing after two years at Virtus Bologna, will not be part of the Blues campaign.

the reasons

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The coach’s explanations come from Fulgaria: “Nico Mannion will not be part of the squad this summer. It was a painful decision but shared by both parties. In the past two years, Nico has been the absolute protagonist with the national team, showing a strong attachment to the blue and great professionalism. To do this, however, he put his body on the line and we agreed, by long mutual agreement, that the team would start at the World Cup today, by mutual agreement, that he would be among the players on the list. We can’t wait to embark on The enthusiasm with which the boys presented themselves at the meeting is the common denominator that will reconnect us with the good things that were accomplished in previous rounds.” Simon Funticiu, the only NBA player in the group, will be available starting July 28.

the program

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Seven friendlies are set to make up the final list of 12 world blues: Italy-Turkey (August 4), the day after China or Cape Verde match in the Trentino Basketball Cup, then the Acropolis Championship (August 9-10) with Serbia and Greece. On August 13, Italy and Puerto Rico in Ravenna and finally on August 17, a tour of China to challenge Brazil and New Zealand. On August 25, the World Cup made its debut against Angola in the group that also includes the Dominican Republic and the Philippines.