Italy and Latvia will face each other in the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers on Thursday, September 7, 2023. The match will be played at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy. Both teams are in Group A, along with Croatia and Ukraine. Italy is currently at the top of the group with four wins and one loss, while Latvia is at the bottom with one win and four losses.
Italy’s dominant performance
Italy has been one of the best teams in the European Qualifiers, winning four out of their five matches so far. They have defeated Croatia twice, Ukraine once, and Latvia once. Their only loss came against Ukraine in a close game that ended 79-80. Italy has a balanced squad with experienced players like Marco Belinelli, Luigi Datome, and Nicolo Melli, as well as young talents like Amedeo Della Valle, Achille Polonara, and Simone Fontecchio. Italy’s coach Meo Sacchetti has been able to rotate his players effectively and maintain a high level of intensity and efficiency on both ends of the floor.
Latvia’s struggle to qualify
Latvia has had a disappointing campaign in the European Qualifiers, losing four out of their five matches so far. They have lost to Italy, Croatia, and Ukraine twice each. Their only win came against Croatia in a surprising upset that ended 77-62. Latvia has a talented roster with players like Kristaps Porzingis, Rodions Kurucs, Davis Bertans, and Arturs Zagars, but they have not been able to play together as a cohesive unit. Latvia’s coach Roberts Stelmahers has faced criticism for his team selection and tactics, as well as for his inability to motivate his players and overcome their mental lapses.
Dream11 Team Prediction
Based on the current form and performance of both teams, here is a possible Dream11 team prediction for the match between Italy and Latvia:
- Point Guard: Amedeo Della Valle (ITA)
- Shooting Guard: Marco Belinelli (ITA)
- Small Forward: Luigi Datome (ITA)
- Power Forward: Davis Bertans (LTV)
- Center: Kristaps Porzingis (LTV)
- Star Player: Marco Belinelli (ITA)
- Pro Player: Kristaps Porzingis (LTV)
This team has a balanced mix of scoring, rebounding, defense, and playmaking. Belinelli and Porzingis are the star players of their respective teams, and they can provide a lot of points and fantasy points. Della Valle and Datome are reliable shooters and facilitators, while Bertans is a stretch four who can space the floor. The team also has enough depth and versatility to cope with different situations and matchups.
Match Details
The match between Italy and Latvia will start at 02:15 PM IST on Thursday, September 7, 2023. The match will be streamed live on the FIBA YouTube channel and the FanCode app. You can also follow the live updates and statistics on the FIBA website and the FIBA EuroBasket Twitter account.
