The most intense stage of the FIBA World Cup has finally arrived. After a grueling group stage battle, eight teams have made it to the quarter-finals of the prestigious event. The first among the teams that will lock horns in this stage are Team Italy and Team USA. The two phenomenal sides dominated their respective groups to storm into the quarter-finals. But while NBA superstar Anthony Edwards and Team USA’s success was expected, Team Italy’s dominance was unforeseen.

Team Italy came into the tournament as underdogs. In fact, their group comprises heavy favorites in the Dominican Republic and the home team, Philippines, considering the stature of the NBA players they possess. However, dubbed the “greatest”, Team Italy resiliently overcame the two giants to storm into the quarter-finals. However, how many NBA stars did Team Italy have to achieve this incredible feat?

How many NBA stars does Team Italy feature?

Dubbed the “Greatest Italy Team”, Team Italy’s roster consists of just one NBA star, Simone Fontecchio. The Utah Jazz’ small forward has carried his national team to an impeccable record in the FIBA World Cup so far, putting up some of his best performances till date. However, his journey to the top began much before the prestigious tournament.

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The 27-year-old Italian began his professional career with the Virtus Bologna in 2012-13. He represented the oldest basketball team in Italy for 4 years, becoming their franchise player shortly. He received two All-Star nods in the LBA, also registering a playoff appearance under his belt. However, while still with the Virtus, he declared for the 2015 NBA Draft, two years before his automatic eligibility.

Fontecchio worked out with the Boston Celtics in 2015, which did not go his way. Two years later, he went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. After some early setbacks to his NBA career, the 6’7 forward returned to Europe to play for various top-tier clubs before receiving an NBA call-up from the Utah Jazz.

The Italian forward signed a two-year deal with the Jazz in 2022. He made his NBA debut in the 2022-23 season, which also featured his most memorable NBA moment. In a game against the Golden State Warriors, Fontecchio completed a clutch dunk for the Jazz that handed them a 124-123 victory against the defending champions.

After an impressive NBA stint, Fontecchio joined Team Italy for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The Jazz forward has now led Team Italy to its greatest chance of bagging a medal in the tournament for the first time in history.

He has averaged an impressive 18.4 PPG and 6.6 RPG in their phenomenal run so far. But can Fontecchio lead Team Italy past the mighty Team USA and their superstar guard, Anthony Edwards?

Team USA is Italy’s greatest challenge

Team Italy has had a dream run in the FIBA World Cup this year. Barring one loss to Karl-Anthony Towns and Team Dominican Republic, the side has had an impeccable record. However, their biggest challenge is soon to arrive. Team USA might prove to be their toughest opponent so far.

The Anthony Edwards-led Team USA has asserted their dominance yet again at the FIBA World Cup. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard, Edwards has been nothing short of spectacular throughout Team USA’s run. However, the team suffered a humiliating loss to New Orleans Pelicans‘ Jonas Valančiūnas and Team Lithuania just a match prior to their quarter-final matchup against Team Italy.

Despite Anthony Edwards’ ballistic performance, Team USA succumbed to Lithuania’s lights-out shooting from beyond the arc. The 22-year-old put up 35 points in Team USA’s loss to the Lithuanian contingent. However, he will now have a greater task of leading the team past Italy’s strongest roster yet.

While Edwards tries to take Team USA past Italy’s strong roster, Simone Fontecchio will look to put up a gritty fight. Can Team USA get past the gritty Team Italy? Will Team Italy pull off a historic upset? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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