Basketball, Petrucci: "With Banchi to win, I stamp Olympic rings on my heart"

Rome, Oct. 3 (LaPresse) – "Every coach has his own traits: some are more sociologists, some more psychologists, some more teachers. Luca Banchi combines all these attributes, he has done a great job, and the result in Latvia proves it. He started almost from scratch in a country that had never dominated. In my career, I have worked with 11 coaches with different characteristics. Luca has international experience in many countries and has shown what a serious person he is," said Gianni Petrucci, president of the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP), at the presentation of the new head coach Luca Banchi.

"Like everyone, he has his own character, and all these factors led me to accept Banchi's proposal. From the very first moment, I told him, 'I stamp the five Olympic rings on your heart.' This is the dream for all of us; no other competition compares. It is the culmination of a lifetime, and that must be the goal. I give you a title: 'With Banchi, we must win,'" Petrucci added.

Petrucci also recalled the tenure of former coach Gianmarco Pozzecco: "A person to whom I am very attached. Like all divorces, there is some bitterness. He worked with great commitment and brought enthusiasm to the national team. I wish him to find a club or a team," he explained.