Gianni Petrucci, the long-serving and recently re-elected President of the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP), spoke with evident pride and energy following the Italian women`s national team`s historic bronze medal win at the European Championship. Returning from Greece, the 80-year-old sports veteran, also serving as Vice-President of Salernitana football club, reflected on a triumph that ended a 30-year medal drought for the women`s program.
A Bronze That Sparkles Like Gold
Petrucci described the women`s achievement as “a miracle,” born from sheer willpower. “They believed, and they surprised even me,” he stated. Italy, viewed perhaps as “poor relatives” compared to federations with vastly larger numbers of registered players, managed to win five out of six games, notably defeating Olympic silver medalists France. The president lauded the team`s coach, whose selection had faced initial criticism but proved inspired, and highlighted Cecilia Zandalasini as a true phenomenon.
While acknowledging that a single result cannot erase existing challenges, particularly within the domestic league, Petrucci reaffirmed the federation`s commitment to investing in the women`s game. This bronze, he insisted, “sparkles, sparkles, sparkles” and signals that Italian women`s basketball is firmly on the right path.
A Dedication and a Look Ahead
Petrucci dedicated the medal to Achille Polonara, an Italian national team player currently recovering from illness. He expressed emotional support for Polonara, noting his serenity and the medical optimism surrounding his condition as he continues his recovery journey.
The conversation naturally shifted to the men`s national team and their upcoming European Championship campaign. Petrucci sees the women`s bronze as a crucial “stimulus” for Gianmarco Pozzecco`s squad. He praised Pozzecco`s impact, emphasizing the “enthusiasm” he generates and the players` affection for their coach – “they`re crazy about him.” Key veterans like Gigi Datome and Nicolo Melli, fresh off a Turkish league title win, were singled out for their leadership qualities.
The DiVincenzo Question
Perhaps the most intriguing prospect for the men`s team is the potential addition of NBA player Donte DiVincenzo. Petrucci sounded optimistic, stating that a decision is expected within a couple of weeks, which is the necessary timeframe. He detailed the bureaucratic steps involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, expressing gratitude for their interest. “We are doing everything we can,” Petrucci said, adding that the player himself “can`t wait to come to Italy to sign his passport.” Securing DiVincenzo would undoubtedly be a significant boost for the Azzurri.
Navigating the Wider Sports Landscape
Petrucci also commented on changes within the Italian basketball league (Lega Basket), offering praise for the new leadership under Gherardini, whom he has known for many years and believes has consistently made a significant impact wherever he`s worked. He also spoke positively about the recent league season`s surprises, highlighting Trapani`s newfound enthusiasm driven by owner Antonini and Brescia`s impressive performance under the guidance of owner Mauro Ferrari and coach Giuseppe Poeta. Petrucci playfully suggested Poeta`s sideline calmness “should be an example for everyone.”
Turning to the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Petrucci welcomed the election of Luciano Buonfiglio as the new president. Recalling a past interaction where Buonfiglio gifted him a conductor`s baton, calling Petrucci his “orchestra director,” Petrucci feels Buonfiglio has started well, approaching the role with humility and delivering a strong pre-vote speech. He noted Buonfiglio`s immediate “luck” with medals in basketball and athletics and predicted a potential two or three-term cycle for him, believing he will also mend relationships with other federation presidents.
Addressing political dynamics within Italian sports, Petrucci defended the joint effort with other major federations (like football`s Gravina) to support Mornati for CONI General Secretary, seeing it as a necessary move “in the interests of Italian sport.” “It`s politics,” he quipped, “but really, what isn`t?” He dismissed any notion of the previous CONI president, Malagò, casting a negative “shadow” over Buonfiglio, calling Malagò intelligent, but adding with characteristic directness, “Having said that, if you did a poll, I believe he`s the man who knows the most people in the world…”
The Human Element in Sports
Reflecting on his own career, Petrucci emphasized the paramount importance of human relationships – “from one to ten, I say ten.” He stated his distrust of “phenomena” (perhaps meaning those solely focused on flash without substance) and his lack of envy for billionaires, feeling he has everything he needs. His advice to his children, and seemingly a principle he lives by, is that acting honestly ultimately brings results. A man of faith, he shared a poignant reflection on a serious accident the previous year where he was convinced he would die but felt serene, underscoring a perspective shaped by deep personal experience.
Petrucci`s insights paint a picture of Italian basketball invigorated by recent success on the women`s side, cautiously optimistic about the men`s future prospects, navigating complex sports politics, and grounded in the veteran president`s belief in integrity and relationships.
Adrian Whitmore