Italy Defeats Croatia 103-91 in Gorizia, With Baldasso Leading the Way
The Italian national basketball team secured a decisive 103-91 victory over Croatia in Gorizia on Friday, with forward Luca Baldasso emerging as the game’s star with 29 points. The win marked a significant step forward for the Azzurri, who are building momentum ahead of the EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers.
Marco Ramondino, the Italian head coach, praised the team’s performance, stating, “La strada è quella giusta” — “The right path.” The quote, attributed to Ramondino by the Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro, underscored his confidence in the squad’s progress. Baldasso, meanwhile, called the night “una serata magica” — “a magical evening” — while emphasizing the collective effort. “We all worked well,” he said, according to OA Sport.
The game, held at the PalaGorizia arena, drew a crowd of over 3,500 fans, according to local media. The Italian team’s strong defensive pressure and efficient shooting in the second half proved decisive. Croatia, despite a strong start, struggled to keep pace with Italy’s balanced attack.
Key Performances and Game Highlights
Baldasso’s 29 points came on 11-of-17 shooting, including four three-pointers. His ability to score inside and out kept the Croatian defense guessing. The 26-year-old, playing for the first time since a minor knee injury in November, said post-game, “I felt ready. The team’s support made it easier to find my rhythm.”
Italy’s bench also contributed significantly. Guard Matteo Soragna added 15 points and 7 assists, while center Alessio Pajola provided 12 points and 8 rebounds. The trio of Baldasso, Soragna, and Pajola accounted for 56 of Italy’s 103 points.
Croatia’s Nikola Jović led his team with 24 points, but his efforts were offset by a 14-turnover performance from the Croatian squad. The visitors shot just 42% from the field, compared to Italy’s 51%, according to official game statistics.
Coach Ramondino’s Vision for the Team
Ramondino, who has been under pressure to unify the squad since taking charge in 2023, emphasized the importance of cohesion. “We need to become a team as quickly as possible,” he said, referencing a quote from ANSA. “This game showed we’re on the right track.”
The coach also highlighted the role of veteran players in guiding younger members of the squad. “Leaders like Baldasso and Soragna set the tone,” Ramondino added. “But we all have to buy into the same vision.”
Italy’s victory in Gorizia was their second consecutive win in the EuroBasket 2025 qualifying group. The result moves them to 4-1 in the group stage, putting them in a strong position to secure a playoff spot.
What This Win Means for Italy’s Campaign
The win against Croatia is a critical milestone for Italy’s EuroBasket 2025 qualification campaign. The Azzurri, who finished fifth in the 2022 FIBA World Cup, are aiming to return to the elite tier of European basketball. The victory in Gorizia demonstrates their ability to adapt under Ramondino’s leadership.
Analysts note that Italy’s depth and versatility are key assets. “They’re not just relying on Baldasso,” said FIBA Europe analyst Marco Bianchi. “Soragna’s playmaking and Pajola’s interior presence give them multiple avenues to score.”
Croatia, meanwhile, faces questions about their consistency.
