Basketball at Olympics: Italy vs Nigeria Predictions, Previews and Line ups – 31st July, 2021
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Italy Basketball team
Here is Italy vs Nigeria predictions. Italy will take on Nigeria in a Group ‘B’ game in the men’s basketball event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics on Saturday. Italy are coming off an 83-86 loss to Australia. They have a record of one win and one loss in the event. The Italians have displayed impeccable shooting efficiency, registering splits of 56-41-81 in the two games that they have played. They have also been extremely judicious with the ball as well, committing just 8 turnovers so far.
Meanwhile, Nigeria have lost both their games and will be desperate for a win against the Italians. Nigeria were expected to perform well at the 2021 Olympics following their shock win over Team USA in the warm-up game. However, they have been quite disappointing, and now face Italy in a must-win game.
Italy vs Nigeria Team Review
Italy are second in their group, and a win against Nigeria will all but confirm their entry to the knockouts. Golden State Warriors starlet Nico Mannion and Simone Fontechhio scored 21 and 22 points respectively in the game against Australia, and the duo expected to do the bulk of the scoring on Saturday as well. Atlanta Hawks’ Danilo Gallinari had an underwhelming outing, and will want to redeem himself with a strong performance.
Except for Jordan Nwora, no other player put in a satisfactory performance against Germany, and a repeat of that performance against Italy could essentially knock Nigeria out of the competition. Nigeria have a strong roster with numerous NBA players like Jahlil Okafor and Josh Okogie, and they should be able to match up with the Italians fairly well.
Italy vs Nigeria Line ups and Starting 5s
The Italian squad will start with Nico Mannion, Stefno Tonut, Simone Fontecchio, Nicholo Melli and Achille Polonara. Their go to rotations will be Amedeo Tessitori, Alessandro Pajola, Marco Spissu, Michele Vitali, Giampaolo Ricci and Danilo Gallinari.
The Nigerian starters will be Miye Oni, Gabe Vincent, Josh Okogie, Chimezie Metu and Jahlil Okafor. Their substitution options will be Precious Achiuwa, Jordan Nwora, Ike Nwamu, KZ okogie, Calb Agada and obi Emegano.
Italy vs Nigeria Predictions
Team Italy are in an advantageous position in the current match up. Nigeria have found it difficult to strike a balance between defense and offense, and Italy are firm favorites going into this enticing clash. The Italians fell marginally short against the Australians, but the game against Nigeria will be relatively easier in all likelihood. Catch Italy vs Nigeria predictions and pick your sides before the match.
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Sumeet Singh
(384 Articles Published)