Sport has a hard rule, one that admits no exceptions: people only take notice of you when you accomplish something unique. Italy's wheelchair basketball team knows this well, as they are these days writing historic pages at the World Championships in Ottawa, Canada: for the first time in Italian history, Papi and his teammates will be competing for a medal — the gold medal. Having set out for the World Cup without being among the favorites, the team coached by Castellucci yesterday pulled off a true feat, defeating the highly feared Great Britain 63-59 in the semifinal. A prestigious scalp against a national team that has been dominating the international scene in recent years. And it adds to the remarkable group-stage victory over the USA, the reigning world champions and undisputed masters of the sport. In the final, on Saturday at 10:45 p.m. Italian time, the challenge for gold awaits against Australia — but with the knowledge that, whatever happens, the Azzurri will return home with a historic first medal. Their best previous result was fourth place in 2010.
Against Great Britain, Italy showed character. The start was difficult. Castellucci fielded Raourahi and Boganelli on the wings, with Giaretti, Papi and Carossino as the big men. The tension was palpable, shots wouldn't fall (1 for 8 from the field) and Great Britain pulled away to 12-2, drawing fouls on the Italian defense and capitalizing from the free-throw line (10 for 10 at the break).
In the second quarter Italy grew into the game, winning the period 15-14 and finding their rhythm, but it was in the third quarter that everything changed: ferocious defense, the British held to just 7 points in 10 minutes, Carossino dominant (23 points total), Papi decisive in the key moments (14 points, 5 assists), the lead overturned and the momentum completely reversed.
The fourth quarter was a battle of nerves: Manning put Great Britain back ahead, but the Azzurri never gave in. The bench responded brilliantly (Sbuelz and Saaid scored 15 points between them), the defense held firm, and a free throw by Giaretti with time almost expired sealed the victory.
"What we are doing is incredible," said Carossino. "There is something magical about this group." Papi added: "Don't wake us up, we want to keep on dreaming." Coach Castellucci was satisfied: "The boys played with clarity and conviction even in the most difficult moments. We have made history. Now there is just one game left."
Now all focus turns to Saturday's clash with Australia. The world gold medal is up for grabs.
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