The Azzurri missed several free throws in the last seconds of the game and lost 71-68.

Recalcati, whose team were granted a wild card for Japan after a dismal performance at the EuroBasket last year, opted to rest most of the silver-winnning stars at the

Athens Olympics and point on Italy's young rising stars for this tournament.

FIBA: Carlo, following your national team's impressive preliminary round there were high expectations that Italy could go far in this tournament. What happened?

Recalcati: "We have only got ourselves to blame. We allowed our rivals to get crucial rebounds, we failed to get our free throws in when it mattered. It goes to show that when I said that we came to this World Championship to gain experience, I wasn't lying.
"Today we have shown all of our inexperience and since this tournament was supposed to serve one purpose and that was for my players to gain experience, I hope that we can benefit from it in the future."

FIBA: Italy can go home with their heads held up high after victories over China, Slovenia, Puerto Rico and Senegal in the group stages. Your team also tested the United States in their 94-85 defeat in Sapporo. Overall, you must be pleased?

Recalcati: "It has been a positive tournament for us because we arrived where we intended. Our road to Saitama has been easier than what we expected. I think we have shown at times good basketball but more importantly, we have brought young players that have proved they can play against anyone."

FIBA: What now fr Italy?

Recalcati: "We have made mistakes and we have to learn from them. We have to make sure that next year in the EuroBasket we have a more matured and cynical team that doesn't give presents to our rivals."

FIBA: If there is one Italian player who has shone in this tournament it's Marco Belinelli. The 20-year-old playing in his first international tournament with the senior team has proved in Japan to be the next leader of this team. How far can Marco go?

Recalcati:"Marco has shown important things throughout this tournament. At times when the team were struggling he stepped up and took command and this proves the talent he has. He didn't have his best of games against Lithuania and I think he needs to show more consistency. Having said that he will play a big role in the future of this team."

FIBA: Has Italy's progression to the last 16 meant that the players you left out like Giacomo Galanda or Massimo Bulleri will no longer be in the team?

Recalcati: "It just means that I will have a bigger selection to choose from. Italy's national team of the future will come out of this current team plus the two or three players that I left at home to rest. Then we will see what the Italian league provides us and look at the development of other players."

FIBA: In your opinion, how far can Lithuania go in this tournament?

Recalcati: "Lithuania face a very difficult quarter final. Spain remain favourites provided they beat Serbia & Montenegro. Lithuania will grow in confidence from their victory against us and they have nothing to lose but I see Spain going through."