Pesaro, August 31, 2026 – In front of a sold-out arena filled with over 10,000 spectators, at the Vitrifrigo Arena, Italy coached by Banchi fought with great intensity but had to surrender to Serbia led by NBA star Nikola Jokic, finishing 64-76 and complicating their path to the World Cup.
At the start, Banchi surprises by fielding Akele in the starting five, with the very tough task of containing Jokic from the outset.
The Azzurri start tense, but the plays of a brilliant Fontecchio allow Italy to take a 9-4 lead. Serbia responds by tightening their defense and finds the tie at 14-14 with Guduric.
Foul problems immediately
Foul problems soon begin to weigh on the Italian rotations, especially with Ricci, but the team holds firm, closing the first quarter just one point behind at 19-20. In the second quarter, the greater size of the Serbs is felt on the rebounds. The visitors tighten their defense and take advantage of Italy’s foul problems (with Ricci at 4 and Akele at 3). On the court, there is also the unfortunate exit of Milutinov due to an ankle sprain, but he later returns to the court.
Jokic takes command
With Jokic taking command and protests costing coach Banchi a technical foul, the Balkans extend to their maximum lead at 24-38. At the end of the half, an inspired Mannion charges from beyond the arc, then inspires Niang’s dunk that sets the halftime score at 31-40. Coming out of the locker rooms, Italy goes all out. Mannion leads the attack courageously, while the Azzurri defense raises the arena’s intensity. With a series of precise free throws and Niang’s tying basket at 44, the Azzurri ignite the crowd. However, Serbia remains composed and quickly responds thanks to Guduric and Dobric, closing the third quarter ahead at 54-57.
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Goodbye hopes in the last quarter
In the last quarter, fatigue and tight marking on Fontecchio slow down the Italian offensive play. The visitors, while managing Jokic, find valuable three-pointers with Avramovic that push back every comeback attempt. In the final moments, the Azzurri try everything, but the gap settles at the final 64-76. A misstep that slows the National Team’s run, now expected to react promptly in upcoming matches.
THE BOX SCORE
ITALY-SERBIA 64-76
Quarter scores: 19-20, 31-40, 54-57
ITALY: Mannion 23 (2/6, 3/5), Tonut 2 (1/1), Melli 2 (1/2, 0/3), Fontecchio 15 (0/2, 3/8), Thompson 5 (0/2, 1/3), Tessitori dnp, Ricci 4 (2/2, 0/2), Spagnolo, Niang 8 (2/8, 0/1), Baldasso dnp, Akele, Emejuru 5 (2/4). Coach Banchi.
SERBIA: Dangubic 4 (0/1 3pt), Jovic 5 (2/2), Momirov dnp, Dobric 9 (3/5, 0/5), Jokic 8 (1/2, 0/2), Lakic, Guduric 19 (4/7, 2/6), Tanaskovic 5 (1/1, 0/1), Davidovac dnp, Avramovic 20 (4/7, 4/13), Milutinov 3 (0/1), Novak 3 (1/1 3pt). Coach Alimpijevic
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Referees: Chueca (Esp), Praksch (Hun) and Helmsteins (Lat)
