ROME (EuroBasket 2009) - If Italy are to reach EuroBasket 2009 in Poland and then have a chance of qualifying for next year’s FIBA World Championship in Turkey, they will need big performances from Marco Belinelli and Andrea Bargnani.

Youngsters two years ago at the EuroBasket in Spain, both players know that national team coach Carlo Recalcati will be looking for signification contributions from them and not only in terms of points, assists and rebounds.

He will also expect both NBA players to lead.

"At the start of the our training camp, especially Bargnani and I will need to face it with the right mentality, ready to go out on the court, train well and be a group,” said Belinelli, who is coming off his second year in America with the Golden State Warriors.

“France has created a very strong squad with eight or nine NBA players. It's going to be tough but we are ready to give the best.”

Indeed, the Italians must beat France and Finland in Group B of the Additional Qualifying Round for the EuroBasket and then defeat the winner of Group A (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium and Portugal) in a home-and-away tie to claim the last remaining place on offer for Poland.

If they make it that far, Italy would then need to finish in the top six of the EuroBasket to advance to next year’s big event in Turkey.

Should 2010 hosts Turkey be among the top six, then a top-seven finish in Poland for Italy would do.

“I am returning to play with the Azzurri colors after Madrid (2007) because I want to,” said Belinelli, insisting he felt no pressure to play for the national side back in Italy.

“To play with the national team is a pleasure. I am doing it for all the Italians but more importantly, for myself. It's something I want to do and I hope to help the national team obtain results, starting with the qualifying round games. I can't wait to play against (Golden State’s Ronny) Turiaf.”

FIBA