World No. 10 Italy, grouped with host Philippines in the FIBA World Cup, remained unbeaten in its buildup after posting 93-87 victory over Brazil in the Solidarity Cup on Sunday in Shenzhen, China.
It was the Italians’ sixth straight win in their pre-WC buildup dating back to last month in their homeland.
Utah Jazz gunner Simone Fontecchio, a teammate of Gilas Pilipinas main man Jordan Clarkson, banged in 26 points.
Stefano Tonut chipped in 16 while Achille Polonara, Marco Spissu and Giampaolo Ricci added 11 each.
Brazil led at halftime, 44-38.
Next up for Italy, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, will be New Zealand.
Then the Italians fly to Manila on Tuesday.
After setting up camp in Folgara in late-July, Italy ruled a pocket tournament in Trentino before topping another cagefest in Greece.
Prior to setting foot in Asia, Italy beat Turkey, 90-89, China 79-61, Serbia 89-88, Greece, 74-70 and Puerto Rico, 98-65.
Italy and the Philippines are also grouped with Angola and the Dominican Republic.
The host plays Dominican Republic on opening day Friday in the main game at 8 pm at the Philippine Arena.
In the curtainraiser, Italy meets Angola at 4 pm.
