Estonia loses final friendly to Italy ahead of World Cup qualifiers

The Estonian national basketball team concluded their pre-World Cup preparation with a 61:83 loss to Italy in Trento. Despite the defeat, head coach Heiko Rannula noted both the team's deficiencies and signs of improvement compared to their previous match against Lithuania.

Rannula stated that the game plan involved testing various lineups and giving many players court time, which contributed to struggles in the third quarter. Estonia held a narrow 44:41 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the third period. However, Italy then launched a crucial 20-2 scoring run over the next five and a half minutes, seizing control of the game and extending their lead further later on.

While acknowledging the loss, Rannula focused on the learning experience gained from the friendly matches. The team aimed to identify areas needing improvement before the main World Cup qualifiers begin. The game against Italy provided valuable insights into the team's current form and tactical execution under pressure.

The team's performance in the final quarter indicated a need for greater consistency and defensive solidity. Italy's ability to capitalize on Estonia's lapses in concentration and execution proved decisive in the final scoreline. The coaching staff will now analyze the game tape to refine strategies for upcoming official competitions.