Italian Federation president Gianni Petrucci to step down from office / News - Basketnews.com

Italian Basketball Federation president Gianni Petrucci's term expires after the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, after which the operative said he'll pursue new things. He said that the conflict with Virtus fans has been resolved. however, he couldn't promise that Paolo Banchero would play for Italy in the World Cup.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

When the term of the current president is over, the Italian Basketball Federation will have a new leader.

The current head of the organization Gianni Petrucci has announced that he will no longer lead the country's basketball when his term expires after the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

"I'll clarify right away - in any case, I will not run [for the office]. If my health allows me, I have various proposals in other sectors," the operative told Valerio Piccioni from La Gazzetta dello Sport.

However, Petrucci provided a promising statement nevertheless.

The basketball veteran has been known for not having the best kind of relationship with Virtus Segafredo Bologna fans due to a myriad of things that have happened during the last several years in the Italian Basketball League (Lega Basket).

He now says that the issues have been solved with the help of Virtus CEO Luca Baraldi.

"I had said in the past that I could no longer go to Bologna due to the hostile environment there. I have to say that everything's been cleared up now thanks to Luca Baraldi, who I've known since my football days," he said. "I'd like to bring the national team to the new sports palace."

Virtus are planning to build a new home for the basketball team. Set to house around 10,000 spectators, the new palace is expected to be finished in 2025.

Asked about the prospect of Paolo Banchero joining the national team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Petrucci did not have a clear answer.

"I can't say yes or no. There's hope but I'm not able to promise anything," Petrucci said.

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