Who can Stop the Italians

It is not exactly what they call the "Group of Death," but the bracket that host Philippines found itself in the FIBA World Cup is just as lethal.

In order to advance into the next stage, Gilas Pilipinas will have to win two out of three games.

Based on what is down the road, it is easier said than done.

The three tests are Angola, Dominican Republic and Italy.

Though none of these countries are in the FIBA's top five, Italy is as formidable as those ranked higher.

Rated No. 10 in the world, the Italians are two-time Olympic silver medalists and perennial participants in the world championships.

Fortunately, Gilas won't be facing off with the Italians until 29 August, the last day of the initial round of hostilities.

Gilas makes its debut against Dominican Republic, ranked No. 23 in the FIBA, on opening day at the Philippine Arena.

It is a game Gilas have to win.

But the odds are stacked heavily since the Dominicans will be parading two-time National Basketball Association All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns.

This is a crucial game since Italy is expected to lead the group into the next round, making the battle for second place between the Philippines and the Dominican Republic one of the tournament's most anticipated battles.

Like the Dominicans, the Philippines will also be fielding a legit NBA star in Jordan Clarkson.

And aided by a highly-supportive crowd, the Philippines comes to each game getting an extra oomph.

Again, while the Dominicans won't be seeing a pair of two other NBA players — Al Horford and Chris Duarte — Towns' presence alone is enough to give the team a big boost in its campaign.

Providing solid backup to the seven-footer Towns, who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, are Lester Quinones, Victor Liz, Rigoberto Mendoza, Jean Montero, Gerardo Suero, Eloy Vargas, Angel Luis Delgado, Andres Feliz, L.J. Figueroa and Anthony Pena.

Should Gilas stun Towns and the Dominicans, Angola, rated No. 41, just a shade below the Philippines, will be standing in the way.

No longer as capable as the ones that competed in the 1990s until the 2000s, Angola will be taking part with a tattered lineup and a problem with size.

Two players — Childe Dundao and Gerson Domingos — stand 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-11, respectively.

Gilas battle the 11-time African champion on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With massive crowd support, Gilas should deal with the Angolan problem with ease as they brace for the mighty Italians.

Coming off seven wins racked during the pre-FIBA World Cup activities, Italy is unleashing a team oozing with top young talent and seasoned veterans.

Captained by Luigi Datome, Italy is also counting on Nicolo Melli, Achille Polonara, Giampolo Ricci and Stefano Tonut.

Of course, also out there are Simone Fontecchio, a teammate of Clarkson with the Utah Jazz, and Marco Spissu and young guns Matteo Spagnolo and Gabriele Procida.

Before setting foot in Manila, Italy hosted and dominated the Trentino Cup on home soil, beating Turkey and China.

The next stop was Athens where Italy defeated Serbia and Greece and upon their return, it also overpowered Puerto Rico.

Prior to arriving in Manila, Italy played its last pocket tournament in the Solidarity Cup in Shenzhen, China, where it downed Brazil and New Zealand.

For a team that could have also included NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero and longtime NBA standouts Danilo Gallinari and Marco Belinelli, look for the Italians to keep their hot streak going.