The 29-year-old small forward Fontecchio will represent the Italian national team in the European Basketball Championship. Fontecchio said that it is a pleasure to represent the national team in the competition and he will face the challenge with strong fighting spirit.

In the 2024/25 NBA regular season, Fontecchio played in 75 games for the Detroit Pistons, averaging 5.9 points per game on 40.2% shooting and 33.5% from three-point range. In July, Fontecchio was traded to the Miami Heat.

"Playing in the NBA is work, but playing for the national team is fun," Fontecchio said in an interview. "But of course I wouldn't be happy if I didn't win a medal."

Fontecchio will play for Italy in their opening match of the EuroBasket against Greece and next week against Georgia.

Fontecchio continued, "It's a responsibility, but more importantly, a privilege. Frankly, I accept it very calmly and happily because it's a role I love. It's not an opportunity that everyone has, so I approach this task with a great sense of responsibility, pride and a positive attitude."

"It was still a great experience to be able to play with a group of players I have known for 15 years and represent Italy. It made the pain of being away from my wife and children a little less painful."