Luca Banchi’s Tortona Debut: Italy Wins Sold-Out Match vs Iceland

Italy’s national basketball team is stepping onto the court with a new identity, a new coach, and a long-term dream: qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Led by Luca Banchi, the Azzurri open their campaign in a sold-out Nova Arena against Iceland.

This feels less like a simple qualifier and more like the first chapter of a new era for Italian basketball. It’s also a fresh story for fans planning sports-themed trips through Italy, from Tortona to the sun-soaked villages of the Italian Riviera.

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Luca Banchi’s New Italy: A Fresh Start with a Long View

Appointed just two months ago on a three-year term, Luca Banchi is not simply chasing wins; he is building a structure. His project is based on three pillars: identity, competitiveness, and a clear long-term vision.

The goal is not only to reach the 2027 FIBA World Cup, but to restore Italy’s place among Europe’s basketball elite. In international basketball, Banchi knows every game is a potential turning point.

Each possession matters, each point can determine qualification. That is why he has stressed from the outset that no point can be wasted.

This mindset immediately elevates these early qualifiers into must-watch events for basketball lovers traveling through Italy.

A Blend of Youth and Experience on the Court

Banchi’s roster is a carefully constructed blend of emerging talents and experienced players. Many of them have never shared the court before in an official game.

With only six training sessions to shape a cohesive squad, the challenge is huge—but so is the opportunity. Among the names to watch are young players like Ferrari, Librizzi, Suigo, and Vincini, several of whom are expected to make their official debuts for the Azzurri.

The coach will announce the final twelve-player squad on match day, underscoring the constant evaluation and healthy competition within the group. On top of that, Nico Mannion is set to join the team the following day, adding extra flair and playmaking quality.

His arrival is a reminder that this project is alive, evolving, and designed to grow steadily as the qualifying campaign unfolds.

A Tactical Identity Built on Principles and Spirit

With such limited preparation time, Banchi’s approach cannot be based on complex systems alone. He is aiming for a recognizable style of play, grounded in a few clear principles and a strong collective spirit.

The objective is that fans, whether watching in the arena or on television from a café in Liguria, can look at the team and immediately say: *this is Italy*.

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That style will likely emphasize:

Discipline on defense – Italy has long built success on intensity and teamwork.

Smart ball movement – quick passing, shared responsibility, and unselfish play.

Resilience under pressure – responding to runs, hostile environments, and tight games.

Facing Iceland: Continuity vs. Transformation

The opening opponent, Iceland, is anything but a warm-up act. They are led by a coach who has been at the helm for eleven years, bringing stability, continuity, and a deeply ingrained system.

In contrast, Italy is in full transformation mode, trying to fuse fresh ideas with tradition. This makes the game at Nova Arena especially intriguing: a clash between a well-established group and a team finding its new identity in real time.

For traveling supporters, it is the perfect snapshot of where Italian basketball stands today—ambitious, under construction, and hungry.

Tortona and the Official Start of the 2027 World Cup Journey

The journey to the 2027 FIBA World Cup officially begins in Tortona, a town that may be small on the map but now looms large in the story of the Azzurri. From here, every qualifying window will feel like an episode in a long series, each with its own tension, travel, and emotional weight.

Banchi’s mission is a delicate balancing act: remain fully competitive in the present—winning games like the one against Iceland—while developing a core that can peak in 2027.

For fans, it’s an ideal time to weave basketball into broader Italian travel, following the national team as they play in different cities and regions.

From the Court to the Coast: Linking Basketball with the Italian Riviera

For many visitors, a basketball trip to Italy naturally becomes a cultural journey. Few places offer a more enticing extension than the Italian Riviera.

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After catching a qualifier, imagine heading west toward the Ligurian coast. Here, seaside towns climb the hills and the rhythm slows.

In Genoa, the region’s grand maritime capital, you can explore historic palaces and atmospheric caruggi (alleys). Then, find a bar tuned to the Azzurri’s next game.

Continue to Portofino, where colorful houses frame a perfect harbor. It’s easy to picture players or fans unwinding between matches on a quiet terrace.

Further along, the five famous villages of Cinque Terre—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare—offer a dramatic setting with hiking trails, cliffside views, and local white wines.

Nearby Levanto and elegant Santa Margherita Ligure blend beaches and cafés. Easy train links make it simple to follow the qualifiers while enjoying the coast.

Even lesser-known spots like Camogli and Sestri Levante provide a charming base. Evening strolls along the promenade can coincide with post-game celebrations or analysis.

As Luca Banchi’s Italy begins its march toward the 2027 World Cup, the story is not only about tactics and line-ups. It’s also about how sport intersects with place: from Tortona’s arenas to the shimmering waters of the Ligurian coast.

For travelers and fans alike, following the Azzurri can be the perfect excuse to discover, or rediscover, the many faces of Italy—from the hardwood to the Riviera horizon.

Here is the source article for this story: Luca Banchi: “My Italy is both present and future.” His debut in a sold-out Tortona match against Iceland.

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