LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Italy men’s team secured their second win at the ongoing 2026 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) World Championships in Ottawa, Canada after beating Netherlands 63-56.
Italy started the game in quick fire fashion winning the first quarter 21-14 to set the tone.
Netherlands had no response for center Giulio Maria Papi’s shooting as they committed two fouls in the first four minutes of the game.
The Dutch team managed to outscore their opponents by a point in the second quarter to reduce the deficit to a six-point lead.
Netherlands led by Peter Van Noord scored 14 points in the third quarter to take the game to 31-37.
However, they fell short in the fourth quarter as Italy got 14 points compared to their 11 to win the game and qualify for the knockout round.
Filipo Carossino was the highest performer on the court with 22 points and nine rebounds.
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In their opening game, the Italians also defeated Brazil by a landslide margin at the Carleton Unviersity, indoor court.
Andrea Giaretti bagged 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists to help his country defeat the South American side by a score of 77-32.
Giulio Maria Papi also scored 16 and provided eight against the Brazilians.
Italy will now face United States who are unbeaten in two games, at the TD Place, Ottawa Canada in the final game of group A.
