MILAN, Italy — The Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) has officially ushered in a new era for its Men`s Senior National Team, announcing the appointment of veteran coach Luca Banchi as its new head coach. The Tuscan tactician, widely lauded for his recent transformative work with the Latvian national team, steps into the role with a three-year agreement, igniting fresh hopes and setting a clear course for the nation`s basketball future.
Banchi’s appointment comes as no surprise to those who followed his remarkable tenure. As the architect behind Latvia`s meteoric rise, culminating in a stunning performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup where he was named the tournament`s best coach, Banchi brings a coveted blend of tactical acumen and motivational prowess to the Azzurri. His ability to mold a competitive unit from a talented, yet often overlooked, roster is precisely what the Italian federation is banking on as they look towards significant international challenges.
The Architect of Transformation
Born in Grosseto on August 1, 1965, Luca Banchi is not merely a seasoned coach; he is a proven program-builder. His work with Latvia since 2021 turned a respected, but not elite, European side into a World Cup dark horse that captured the imagination of basketball fans globally. Under his guidance, Latvia demonstrated a sophisticated, modern style of play characterized by intelligent offense and tenacious defense—a blueprint many hope he will adapt and implement with Italy.
This is Banchi`s 23rd time at the helm of the Italian national team, a testament to the federation`s trust in his vision and experience. Replacing Gianmarco Pozzecco, Banchi inherits a team with a rich history and passionate fanbase, but also one that faces the perennial challenge of consistently competing at the highest international levels. The weight of expectation, as always, rests squarely on the shoulders of the man tasked with guiding the nation’s basketball ambitions.
“The challenge with the Italian national team is immense, yet incredibly stimulating. We aim to build a cohesive and competitive group, leveraging the talent at our disposal and instilling a clear identity on the court.”
Immediate Challenges and the Road to Doha 2027
Banchi`s debut will be anything but a gentle introduction. He will lead the Azzurri on Thursday, November 27, 2025, against Iceland, in the opening game of the qualifiers for the FIBA World Cup 2027, which is slated to take place in Doha, Qatar. This critical qualification campaign begins almost immediately after his official presentation, scheduled for Friday, October 3, at 11:30 AM in Rome at the Salone d’Onore del Coni.
The swift transition and immediate competitive fixture highlight the urgency and ambition behind this appointment. There will be little time for leisurely introductions; the focus will be squarely on performance from day one. Fans and pundits alike will be keen to observe how quickly Banchi can instill his philosophy and galvanize the squad for what promises to be a demanding qualification journey. The dream of Doha 2027 is now firmly placed in his hands, and the expectation is for Italy to not just qualify, but to arrive there with a competitive roar.
The narrative of Italian basketball has often been one of immense talent intertwined with moments of brilliance and occasional frustration. With Luca Banchi`s arrival, there is a palpable sense that the FIP has sought not just a new coach, but a new direction—a fresh, pragmatic, and globally proven approach to elevate the Azzurri to consistent contention. The ball, as they say, is now in his court.
