During the World Legends Padel Tour, Danilo Gallinari shared insightful thoughts with Sky Sports concerning the future of the Italian national basketball team, particularly as they prepare for their second qualifying match for the World Cup against Lithuania.
Gallinari highlighted the promising group of young talents within the national team, showcasing his optimism about their potential. “There are a lot of young guys and a great group to build on for years. A bad game is normal; anything can happen in qualifying, but it’s great to see the guys play, and I’m following them from afar,” he remarked. Despite some challenges in the qualifying phase, Gallinari firmly believes in the team’s ability to rebound and compete at high levels in the future.
The discussion also touched on significant changes in coaching. Ettore Messina has stepped down, making way for Joseph Poeta to take the helm. Gallinari voiced his appreciation for both coaches: “First of all, congratulations to Ettore Messina, one of the best coaches in the history of European basketball. Then, I wish Peppe the best of luck; he has all it takes to become a great coach. He has the perfect balance between managing game moments and building good relationships with his players.” Gallinari’s connection with Poeta, who was once his teammate, contributes to his confidence in the new coach’s abilities, suggesting a transformative time for the Azzurri.
As for Gallinari’s own future, he remained light-hearted yet poised in his response. “I’m expecting an offer directly from Peppe in the next few days, so we’ll evaluate it… No jokes aside. The return is difficult, but I’ve always been Olimpia Milano’s number one fan, and I wish the team and Peppe the best of luck. They have important goals to achieve, and they can do it,” he stated. He reassured fans about his decision-making process, emphasizing that he is in no rush to finalize his career choices: “Will I play again? We’ll see; there’s no rush. Right now I’m in anything but a rush to decide, so we’ll take our time.”
Gallinari’s tranquil perspective hints at a thoughtful approach to his future while simultaneously fostering hope for the Italian national team’s progression under new leadership. This combination of youth, strategic coaching changes, and a calm attitude from one of Italy’s basketball icons can lead to an exciting chapter for the sport in Italy.