In Naples, the match of the first Eurobasket qualification round ended, in which the Italian team hosted the national team of Russia.
The hosts successfully started the meeting and after the first quarter they led with an advantage of two points – 26:24. In the second ten-minute period, the Italians added, and due to successful actions in the defense, they broke away from the guests by eight points – 41:33.
After a long break, the picture on the court did not change dramatically. By the end of the third quarter, Italy was in the lead with a margin of eleven points – 62:51. In the final quarter, the players of Bazarevich failed to make a radical change, as a result of which the Russians lost with a score of 64:83.
As part of the Russian national team, Denis Zakharov took part in the match.
The next qualification match the Russians will hold on February 23. In the arena in Perm the team will take over Northern Macedonia.