Italy's Simone Fontecchio excited to face Jazz teammate Jordan Clarkson in World Cup

Italy's forward Simone Fontecchio is raring to see Utah Jazz teammate Jordan Clarkson on the court again, this time though, as a foe.

The NBA stars will be on the opposite sides of the court when Italy and the Philippines slug it out in the group stages of the 2023 FIBA World Cup here, and the 27-year-old Italian baller knows their looming reunion on the court is going to be an exciting one.

"I love JC. He's a great guy and can't wait to see him on the court  and [I] can't wait to see how the people will cheer for him. The Philippines is a big fan of his so  it'll be fun," Fontecchio said following their practice at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Italy’s Simone Fontecchio says he can’t wait to face his Utah Jazz teammate Jordan Clarkson and the Philippines in the World Cup.

Italy and Gilas are drawn in Group A and will face each other on August 29. @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/T33tkMXG39

— Bea Micaller (@beamicallerrr) August 23, 2023

Jordan Clarkson banners the 12-man roster of Gilas Pilipinas for the World Cup.

"We didn't have the chance to speak after the draws, but he definitely told me how much he cares about playing for the Philippines and how much he cares about playing in this World Cup."

Compared to the underdogs Filipinos, Italy is coming into the World Cup as one of the fancied teams. They swept their tuneups for the global cagefest, beating the likes of New Zealand, Greece, Puerto Rico, Serbia, China, and Brazil in friendlies before they flew to Manila on Tuesday.

Italy, who ranks 10th in the world, is looking to improve their 10th place finish from the previous edition.

Regardless, Fontecchio stressed competing at the World Cup is just as meaningful to him and Clarkson.

"I think it means a lot for him as much as it means a lot for me. It's gonna be exciting."

Gilas and Italy will take on each other on the final day of their group stage campaign on August 29. Before that, the Filipinos will face the Dominican Republic on the 25th before Angola on the 27th. 

Italy, meanwhile, will open the World Cup games in the Philippines when they play Angola on Friday, then the Dominicans on the 27th.

Check this page for more updates. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News