By Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA International

Italy coach Carlo Recalcati admits that the Azzurri’s strong showing in the Strasbourg tournament over the weekend has given him a selection dilemma for the European Championships.

The veteran boss was going to name his squad after their three games in France but he has opted to extend the agony for the country’s basketball stars waiting to discover if they have won a spot in his squad.

"In three days we have been able to see that all the players can be fundamental for us," admitted Recalcati, whose team defeated Lithuania and Israel before losing to France.

"Forwards Alex Righetti and Nikola Radulovic are back in form, as they showed by scoring 18 points each against France."

The French are Italy's first opponents in Sweden on September 6 in a mouth-watering clash between two of the competition`s heavyweights.

But Recalcati knows that the presence of guard Massimo Bulleri is vital to his team's chances in the championships.

The Cecina-born 25-year-old is currently suffering from a muscular problem, which has blighted his recent displays.

"I need two playmakers for the European Championships," admitted the Azzurri coach.

"If Bulleri recovers full fitness, there will not be so much pressure on Gianluca Basile, who is playing very well, to perform."

Meanwhile, Montepaschi Siena centre Giacomo Galanda is rapidly taking on the status of a key player following his assured performances over the weekend.

Galanda's fitness is as vital to the Azzurri as that of Basile, especially as fellow centres Roberto Chiacig and Denis Marconato have so far failed to impress.

"This is only Marconato's third match, while Chiacig has yet to show what he is capable of," claimed Recalcati.

"But we have to have two consistent centres in the squad.

"However, it is good to know that I can rely on players like Galanda and Basile."

Recalcati is expected to finalise his roster after next Monday’s friendly with Turkey in Istanbul.