“Thank you for the racist comments, they gave us the motivation.” These were the words posted on Instagram by David Torresani, one of the standout players of Italy’s Under-20 men’s basketball team, after their gold medal triumph at the European Championship.
Italy defeated Lithuania 83–66 in the final, securing the U20 European title for the first time in 12 years. The victory was not only significant from a sporting perspective but also carried a powerful social message. The team had been subjected to criticism, insults, and racist abuse following the publication of their squad photo on the Italbasket social media page on July 12, with several players targeted because of their skin colour.
Torresani’s post served as a clear response to the online hate, transforming the negativity into fuel for success. His message, shared in the wake of the final win, quickly drew attention and praise for the team’s resilience and unity.
Italy’s path to the title was also marked by adversity on the court. Head coach Marco Rossi had to contend with a depleted roster, finishing the tournament with only eight available players due to injuries to De Martin, Airhienbuwa, Valesin, and Zanetti.
Despite the setbacks, the Azzurri delivered an outstanding performance in the final, showcasing determination, skill, and team spirit, sending a strong signal both on and off the court.
