Gianni Petrucci, the perennially confirmed president of the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP), a man who has spent a lifetime navigating the currents of Italian sport (and who, for good measure, also serves as vice-president for Salernitana football club), recently shared his perspectives following a significant achievement for Italian basketball: the women`s national team securing a bronze medal at the European Championship after a three-decade drought.
A “Miracle” 30 Years in the Making
Returning from Greece, Petrucci was visibly energized, attributing the women`s success to sheer willpower. “It`s a miracle born from these girls` determination,” he stated, expressing surprise even for himself. He highlighted the magnitude of their feat, including defeating Olympic vice-champions France, winning five out of six games despite being, in his slightly wry assessment, “poor relatives” compared to federations with vastly larger pools of registered players. This bronze, he insists, “shines and shines and shines,” signaling a promising trajectory, driven by a coach who “astounded everyone” and a talent like Cecilia Zandalasini, whom he lauded as a phenomenon. While acknowledging existing challenges, Petrucci affirmed continued investment in the women`s game to revitalize the league.
He also took a moment to dedicate the medal to Achille Polonara, the Italian player currently recovering, expressing warmth and confidence in his situation.
Women`s Success as a Spur for the Men`s Team
Turning his attention to the men`s national team, “gli azzurri,” Petrucci articulated a clear challenge. The women`s bronze, he suggested, “must be a stimulus” for coach Gianmarco Pozzecco and his squad as they prepare for their own European Championship campaign. He spoke positively of the men`s setup, noting the added value of captain Gigi Datome and the palpable enthusiasm Pozzecco has generated – “players are crazy about him,” Petrucci remarked, highlighting the coach`s good nature. He also singled out Nicolò Melli, fresh off a Turkish league title, describing him as a charged leader for the team. Ever the seasoned executive, however, he politely declined to offer a specific prediction for their performance.
The DiVincenzo Question: Bureaucracy and Optimism
One of the most anticipated topics surrounding the men`s team is the potential inclusion of NBA player Donte DiVincenzo. Petrucci provided an update characterized by optimism, albeit tempered by bureaucratic realities. “We hope to succeed,” he commented, noting that clarity should arrive within a couple of weeks – essentially the deadline. He acknowledged the necessary “bureaucratic steps at the ministerial level” involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, extending thanks to Ministers Tajani and Piantedosi for their engagement. The federation, he stated, is doing everything possible, and crucially, the player himself “cannot wait to come to Italy to sign his passport.” It appears the primary hurdle isn`t the player`s willingness, but the administrative machinery, a familiar narrative in many national endeavors.
Navigating the Wider Sports Landscape
Beyond the national teams, Petrucci weighed in on other recent developments in Italian sport governance. He commented on the leadership change in the Lega Basket, speaking highly of the new head, Gherardini, despite a good relationship with his predecessor. He also shared insights on the new president of CONI (the Italian Olympic Committee), Luciano Buonfiglio, whom he described as starting off on the “right foot” with humility and a strong initial speech. Petrucci recounted a past anecdote where Buonfiglio gifted him a conductor`s baton, suggesting Petrucci was his “orchestra conductor,” a symbol he has kept. He predicted a potentially long tenure for Buonfiglio, noting with a touch of humor that the new president had already “won three medals” (referencing recent successes including the basketball bronze and athletics) and seemed fortunate.
He briefly touched on recent political dynamics within Italian sports leadership, defending decisions regarding the CONI Secretary General position as necessary “politics,” noting that “what isn`t, in the end?” He expressed confidence that Buonfiglio`s election would ease tensions within the sports community.
A Career Built on Relationships and Belief
Reflecting on his own extensive career, Petrucci underscored the paramount importance of human relationships, rating them a perfect ten out of ten. He expressed skepticism towards “phenomena” (perhaps individuals?) and no envy for billionaires, stating he lacks nothing. His advice to his children, and a guiding principle for himself, is that results come from honest conduct. He also spoke of his faith, acknowledging himself a “sinner” but believing that “the good God never denies you one grace without giving you a better one.” He shared a personal reflection on a severe accident the previous year, during which he was convinced he would die but felt a sense of serenity, contrasting his humble beginnings as a simple CONI employee without a degree to becoming the head of Italian sport.
In summary, Petrucci presents a picture of Italian basketball invigorated by recent success, cautiously optimistic about future challenges, and navigating the complex, relationship-driven world of Italian sports administration with decades of experience.
Gilbert Pendleton