Italy vs USA FIBA World Cup Game Preview, Predictions & Live Stream
- Tip-off at 12:40 GMT on Tuesday September 5th
- It’s the second Quarter Finals matchup from the FIBA World Cup played in Manila, Philippines
- Italy emerged as the winners of Group I
- In a surprise result, Team USA were the runners-up in Group J after a loss to Lithuania to close out the Second Group stage
The FIBA World Cup Quarter Finals begins
The second Quarter-Finals of the FIBA World Cup features Italy vs Team USA. The Italians come into this one as the winners of Group I and reach this stage of the tournament for the first time in 25 years. They clinched their spot defeating Puerto Rico 73-57. It was a complete team effort for the Azzurri , which was summarised best by Italy dominating the glass and out-rebounding Puerto Rico 48-29. Four players scored in double-digits for the Italians but the game’s MVP honours went to Giampaolo Ricci. He scored 15 points and 3 rebounds. Up next however is Team USA. They were the surprise runners-up from Group J and are arguably a cruel ‘reward’ for the Italians who came tops in their group. Simone Fontecchio will likely need to fill-up the stat sheet if the Italians want to book their place in the Semi-Finals.
Team USA come into this one now realising how hard it is to win the FIBA World Cup after a stunning loss to Lithuania. Both teams were undefeated going into the final game of the Second Round but Lithuania deservedly won 110-104. Despite a much improved second half from the Americans, the game will serve as a wake-up call for Team USA. On the defensive end, most notably for the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr., he will need to adapt more to the international game if he wants to have the same sized impact he has with the Memphis Grizzlies. Against Lithuania, they came right at him, and the result was him fouling out in only 15 minutes. On offense, only Anthony Edwards came as advertised, scoring a team-high 35 points; with no other American scoring more than 14. This will be a concern for the coaching staff and will be interesting to see what adjustments Coack Kerr and co. make ahead their massive Quarter-Final matchup against Italy (…who were certainly watching what worked for Lithuania).
Italy vs USA – FIBA World Cup Live Stream
This FIBA World Cup Quarter Finals matchup from Manila will be available to stream live* worldwide on Courtside 1891 on Tuesday September 5th from 12:40 GMT.
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.
