Prompt redemption for Italy, which beat hosts Philippines 90-83 in front of 12,000 spectators, advances to the second phase of the World Cup (underway in Japan, Philippines and Indonesia), and most importantly secures qualification for one of the four Pre-Olympic Tournaments next summer, gateway to the Paris 2024 Games. The Azzurri end Group A in second place with four points (five for FIBA federation, which awards one point for defeat) behind the Dominican Republic, which also beat Angola to win the grouping. Zero points for the Philippines. Best scorer of the night is the usual Simone Fontecchio with 18 points. Also in double figures were Ricci (14), Spissu and Tonut (13), Pajola (11) and Melli (10). This is what coach Gianmarco Pozzecco says: "The guys were fantastic and we are happy for the passage of the round and for reaching the Pre-Olympic phase. To mark Clarkson we had to play differently, more tactically, but with such a player we could not do it any other way. Now we will use the next two days to rest for the commitments of the second phase also because some guys played a lot of minutes. We will return to our usual basketball. I thank my staff and President Petrucci, who treated me like a son during these days. I would like to spend a thought for the Philippines, a team that lost 3 out of 3 games, but always fighting to the last with passion and involvement. Their fans should be proud of them".