Italian Basketball Federation (FIP)

News Summary:

On January 29, 2026, the Italian Under 17 Men's national team was drawn into Group A for the upcoming World Championship in Turkey, scheduled for June 27 to July 5, 2026, where they will compete against the USA, France, and Japan. Previously, on January 12, the second phase of the Under 19 Men's Eccellenza Championship, 'Trofeo Giancarlo Primo,' commenced. This phase involves 48 teams, divided into Azzurra and Bianca groups, each comprising three groups of eight teams, vying for a spot in the National Finals in Rome. The Italy Academy concluded its last gathering of 2025 in Novarello on December 30, with officials stating that the project is bearing fruit by transmitting key values. This followed a reflection on December 30 regarding the Under 20 men's team's "historic gold" in 2025, highlighting the players' seriousness, willingness to sacrifice, and cohesiveness. Earlier, on December 19, FIBA published its updated December 2025 youth rankings, indicating Italy's men's teams rose from fourth to third globally, behind the USA and Spain, surpassing France, while the women's teams ranked fourth in Europe. These rankings consider results from Under 16, Under 17, Under 18, and Under 19 national teams.