Serbia vs Italy FIBA World Cup Second Round Game Preview, Prediction & Live Stream
- Serbia vs Italy will tip off at 9:00 GMT+1
- Group I FIBA World Cup game will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines for the 2nd round
- Serbia come favourites as they comfortably topped Group B
- Italy came second as they lost their second outing against Dominican Republic
- Serbia vs Italy live stream is available on Courtside1891. Blackout restrictions apply.
Serbia come as firm favourite but Azzurri count on mental advantage to edge Eagles
Serbia looked solid as they easily beat China, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan. The Eagles, led by Hawks star Bogdanovic, enter the 2nd round as firm favourites to make it to the quarter-finals.
However, to get there they’ll need to get the best of one of their past nemesis in Italy, a team that beat the Serbians in the last two occasions they met in an international tournament with the Azzurri getting the better of the Eagles at the Tokyo Pre-Olympic tournament in 2021 and at the Eurobasket 2022 last 16. Marco Spissu, one of the best performers of a struggling Italian side, was top scorer with 6/9 from the field and 22 points.
Serbia vs Italy – preview and key factors
The key to this match will be defense: whereas Italy wasn’t able to cope with Town’s offensive prowess in their Group A defeat against Dominican Republic.
Limiting Serbia’s offense, currently the third best at the FIBA World Cup, will be a hard task for the Azzurri, and limiting their shot quality (Serbia currently has a tournament-leading 57.2% from the field, as well as an astounding 44.7% from behind the ark) will be a crucial point for Italy if they want to be able to stay with the Serbians. Pozzecco’s men will also need to ensure they can limit Milutinov’s presence at the rim and win the rebounding battle.
When Serbia lost to Italy, they suffered the Azzurri’s shooting and couldn’t force the Italians to turn the ball over, and although Italy has been able to take care of the ball very well at the World Cup, they haven’t been as hot from three points as in the past, with a fourth-worst 27% 3 point percentage.
Serbia vs Italy Prediction
Italy needs to win both of their 2nd round games if they want to make it to the quarter finals, and will throw everything they have at this Serbian team. The Eagles, however, have looked dominant from the outset and have rested key players against South Sudan. They look like a better coached and stronger unit than the Azzurri. For that reason, we expect Serbia to end Italy’s World Cup hopes with a solid win.
Serbia vs Italy: How to Watch
This FIBA World Cup Second Round match-up from Manila will be available to stream live* worldwide on Courtside 1891 on Friday September 1st from 9:00 GMT+1.
Don’t worry if you can’t catch the live action, Courtside 1891 will have extensive on-demand coverage and highlights after the game finishes. For the latest highlights alerts as well as live streaming and premium on-demand content, download the official Courtside 1891 app today.
*blackout restrictions may apply where you live. Please check our blackouts page for more information.
