Italy vs Dominican Republic Prediction & Betting Tips - Basketball World Cup

Prediction published on 25/08/2023, 15:00  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 25/08/2023 at 16:00 in Basketball World Cup Predictions

Italy top Group A of the World Basketball Cup after an opening win over Angola. They now face the Dominican Republic who beat hosts, the Philippines in their first match. Italy are ranked tenth in the world and that's 13 places above their opponents. The Italians beat Angola by 14 points and won three of the quarters. The only one they didn't win was the second when the Angolan team won that one by three points to go into half time three points behind the Italians. The second half saw a close match with Italy only winning it by a point. However, they drew away in the final quarter to secure a 81-67 victory. Simone Fontecchio (who plays for Utah Jazz in the NBA) was the top scorer for them with 19 points. 

The Dominican Republic also got their 2023 FIBA World Basketball Cup off to a winning start. They had a tougher match though, beating the Philippines 87-81. With the final quarter remaining, they were only a couple of points ahead. The crucial final quarter went their way though with the Dominican Republic ending up winners by six points. Minnesota Timberwolves player Karl-Anthony Towns (known as KAT) was their top scorer with 26 points. They have never had a top ten finish in the Basketball World Cup and this is their fourth time in the finals. This could be a close match but we feel Italy will put their experience to good use and get a second group win.