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Danilo Gallinari is set to begin practicing with the Italian national team on Monday, preparing for what he has announced will be his final appearances wearing his country’s jersey.

Just days after celebrating his first club-level championship in Puerto Rico, Gallinari – widely regarded as one of the premier European talents of his generation, yet a career frequently hampered by injuries – aims to finish his international career on a high note.

As he told La Gazzetta dello Sport, his ultimate goal is to capture a medal with Italy.

“I’m missing a medal with the national team, and then I can be happy,” Gallinari said, confirming that this will be his last tournament with the Azzurri.

Reflecting on his long career with the national team, he added, “It’s also hard to evaluate what could have been. I started with the ‘Azzurri’ at 17-18 years old, when the 2004 Olympic group was still there, and of all the possible summers since then, I missed eight. That’s a lot. Sometimes I wonder what could have happened if I had played those eight summers too – better not to think about it.

“Every summer, anything can happen, even this one… I don’t want to put pressure on the guys, but honestly, I see a team that I think is strong and can do well. I expect a lot from this group. I’m fired up for this, especially since it will be my last time with the national team, which adds some extra emotion.”

Despite this being his farewell to Italy’s national team, Gallinari emphasized that he is not retiring from basketball entirely. He clarified that his decision to step away only concerns national team duties, leaving the door open for future club-level opportunities.

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