By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Simone Fontecchio intends to suit up for Italy in the EuroBasket 2025.
The 29-year-old forward, coming out of his third NBA campaign, confirmed his intention with a post on his Instagram account on Wednesday.
“It was an intense season, with an ending that did not go our way,” he wrote about the 2024-25 journey with the Detroit Pistons, “I always gave my all, staying connected to the group and trying to be ready at all times. Being part of this team and this city was special. I felt affection, respect, and warmth.”
“I can’t wait to wear the Azzurri jersey again,” he switched to his summer plans, “We have a big tournament ahead and another story to write, together.”
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The native of Pescara went for 5.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.2 blocks per contest over 75 appearances off the bench during the Regular Season, before falling out of the rotation of head coach J. B. Bickerstaff through the opening round of the Playoffs presented by Google and a best-of-seven series opposite the New York Knicks.
After getting caps across every junior national team of Italy, he was upgraded to the senior level in 2017, and went on to play in the Olympic Games 2020, EuroBasket 2022, and FIBA World Cup 2023.
This summer, Italy has scheduled friendly meetings with Iceland, Latvia, Argentina, and Greece, between August 2 and 22. On to the EuroBasket, the preliminary round in Limassol features clashes with Greece, Georgia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Spain, and Cyprus from August 28 to September 4.
The top four countries of Group C, similar to the remaining three groups, will move from pool play to single-elimination matchups, with the knockout stage set to be played in Riga between September 6 and 14.