Simone Fontecchio shines as Italy opens EuroBasket with cruising win vs Estonia / News - Basketnews.com

Simone Fontecchio guided Italy to a convincing home victory over Estonia with 19 points, converting 5 shots from deep in 8 attempts.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

One of four EuroBasket 2022 hosts, Italy, left no chance for visiting Estonia at the packed Mediolanum Forum in Milan. Azzurri was raining threes making 10 in 30 tries and defeated the visitors comfortably, 83-62 (21-18, 31-15, 17-19, 14-10).

Italy decided the game's outcome in the second quarter. First, the hosts spurted 14-0 at the start of the second tally (35-20) and when Estonia managed to come back within 7 points (33-40), Italy pushed the gas pedal once more.

Simone Fontecchio drained three triples in a row, Italy closed the first half with a 12-0 run, and had a 19-point advantage at halftime (52-33).

Fontecchio scored 17 in the first two quarters, finishing the game with 19 in total (2/2 2PT, 5/8 3PT). The Utah Jazz forward also added 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 22 EFF to his performance.

Italy:Simone Fontecchio 19 (5 REB), Nicolo Melli 17 (6 REB), Achille Polonara 12 (11 REB, 5 AST, 27 EFF), Nico Mannion 12 (4 AST, 4 REB), Luigi Datome 11.

Estonia: Kerr Kriisa 20 (6 AST, 5 TO, 20 EFF), Kristjan Kitsing 9, Janari Joesaar 9.

Fontecchio's performance:

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