A spirited comeback attempt proved insufficient as Italy’s journey in the European Basketball championship concluded with an 84-77 defeat against Slovenia. Despite a late surge, highlighted by the impactful play of Saliou Niang, Italy could not overcome a dominant performance by Luka Dončić and secure a spot in the next round. The loss also marks the end of Gianmarco Pozzecco’s tenure as head coach of the national team after three years of leadership.

Dončić Dominates, Italy Struggles Early

The primary challenge for Coach Pozzecco’s squad was containing Luka Dončić, the NBA superstar and leading scorer of the EuroBasket tournament. Dončić delivered a masterful performance, amassing 42 points – including an astounding 30 in the first half alone. Italy initially faltered, falling behind 9-25 early in the contest as Dončić proved virtually unstoppable, scoring 22 points in the first quarter.

Niang’s Impact and a Fight Back

saliou Niang entered the game in the eighth minute, tasked with defending against the Slovenian captain. While initially challenged,Niang’s presence sparked a response from the Italian team. capitalizing on a brief period where Dončić was sidelined due to a collision, Italy began to chip away at the deficit, reducing a 19-point gap to 11 by the end of the first quarter and than to just seven points in the second. Though, Niang struggled to find his rhythm early, finishing the first half with limited impact.

Second-Half Surge and a Heartbreaking Finish

Slovenia extended their lead in the third quarter, reaching a commanding 17-point advantage. However, Niang ignited a late rally, alongside veteran Gallinari, who was later named MVP of the Italian team.Niang repeatedly drove to the basket, drawing fouls and converting free throws, narrowing the gap to just one point with under two minutes remaining. Pozzecco strategically employed a smaller lineup featuring both Fontecchio and niang, and Fontecchio briefly tied the score. Unfortunately, a crucial foul committed by Niang on Dončić with 1’40” left secured Slovenia’s advantage, ultimately sealing Italy’s fate.

Niang’s Rising Star

Despite the defeat, Niang’s performance was a bright spot for Italy. He finished with 12 points in 23 minutes, shooting 2-of-3 from the field and a perfect 8-for-12 from the free-throw line, adding 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals. His duel with Dončić showcased his potential and solidified his position as a key player for the future. The 21-year-old has rapidly become a vital asset for the national team, surpassing the 100-point milestone in just 13 appearances (currently at 104 points).

Here’s a quick look at key stats:

Player Points Rebounds Assists Fouls
Luka Dončić 42 8 5 3
Saliou Niang 12 6 1 5
Danilo Gallinari 15 5 2 2

Did You Know? slovenia’s win continues a trend of strong performances in international basketball, consistently ranking among the top teams in Europe and globally.

Pro Tip: Effective foul management is crucial in high-stakes games,as evidenced by Niang’s late foul impacting the game’s outcome.