February 09, 2012
Quarterfinals analyst: Matteo Soragna, Benetton Basket
Matteo Soragna - Benetton BasketA giant among European basketball clubs has returned to form this season as Benetton Basket Tamoil reaches the 2009 Final Eight ready to fight for its first continental title in a decade. No Italian team has made it to the semifinals of Europe's second competition for at least six seasons, and playing in Turin, Benetton will be the closest thing to a home team in the event. Team captain Matteo Soragna knows better than anyone that the opportunity to rewrite club history doesn't come everyday, and experience in big games tells him that one thing will count most: "In this kind of competition, where a loss sends you home, defense will be the decisive factor."

How does Benetton Basket Tamoil arrive to the quarterfinals game against Lietuvos Rytas?

"We still have a little bit of time to get ready and arrive to the Final Eight at a top level, in the best shape possible. We are working hard to achieve this goal. We have to be in shape to play our basketball in the best way possible. We got better results in the Eurocup than in the Italian League so far, managing to win several games on the road. We will keep working to keep on winning games, also in the Italian League, and of course give our best in the game against L. Rytas."

How much impact can have the fact that the Final Eight takes place in Turin, with Benetton being the only Italian team?

"Everyone can have two different points of view, but we know that a lot of Benetton fans will come to Turin, so that is always a great thing. We will have a lot of support and of course, with a nice atmosphere we can do even better in the L. Rytas game. So I think it is a good thing for us, yes."

What is the most important thing to consider about L. Rytas?

"They are a young, very athletic team, ready to run. Their team spirit is their main strength and taking that into account, we have to work hard to beat them. They have a lot of Lithuanian players that are not so well-known internationally. Almost the entire team is Lithuanian, so we know what expect. The Lithuanian basketball style means a very physical game, trying to run and shoot at every opportunity. This is what we expect from them."

What does Benetton has to do to beat your opponent?

"We have to play the best defense we can. In this kind of competition, where a loss sends you home, defense will be the decisive factor. If you play good defense, you leave your mark on the game and control everything. Some games will be tight because of the atmosphere and emotions. In competitions like this, sometimes you don't find the right rhythm immediately. But with good defense, so can find easy fastbreak points and try to score in the easiest way possible!"

Do you think that in a way, Benetton is representing Italian basketball in this event?

"No question about that, because we are the only Italian team in the Final Eight. We hope to represent it in the best way, trying to go as far as we can. We know it is not easy because our team does not have the kind of budget that other teams like Khimki, Dynamo or Pamesa put out. Those are teams built to win the Eurocup. We know it will be very tough, but at the same time, we are proud to be there and represent our basketball."
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Eurocupbasketball.com
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