Danilo Gallinari’s long and decorated journey with the Italian national team came to an official close in Riga.
Following Italy’s Round of 16 exit at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, the 37-year-old veteran announced his retirement from international basketball, marking the end of an era for the Azzurri.
Gallinari, who has been part of the Italian program since his teenage years, wrapped up a 21-year run in both youth and senior competitions.
This summer, he accepted a reduced role, averaging 5.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10 minutes per game, lending his presence more as a mentor than a star.
After the final buzzer, Gallinari was honored in a heartfelt ceremony. FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa presented him with a commemorative plaque, acknowledging not just his service to Italy but also his impact on the sport across Europe.
“We’re in good hands,” Gallinari told Italian reporters, reflecting on the future of the national team. “The younger players have matured a lot, and it will be exciting to see them on TV.”
The player leaves behind a record of 19 EuroBasket games played across three editions – 2011, 2015, and 2025 – tallying 252 points, 100 rebounds, and 30 assists.
His international résumé extends further, including appearances at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in 2016 and 2024.
Known affectionately as “Gallo,” Gallinari’s senior national team career never brought a podium finish, but his influence went far beyond medals.
For more than a decade, he carried the Italian flag as one of the country’s most recognizable basketball exports, bridging generations of Azzurri teams while maintaining a 14-season career in the NBA.
His teammates and coaches often pointed to Gallinari’s professionalism and leadership as much as his scoring ability.
Even in his final tournament, he was a steadying presence in the locker room for a new wave of Italian players preparing to take up the mantle.
Though Italy’s EuroBasket 2025 run ended earlier than hoped, Gallinari’s farewell underscored his lasting place in the program’s history.
He may not have lifted silverware with the Azzurri, but his legacy – as a cornerstone of Italian basketball’s modern era – remains secure.
Grazie Gallo 🙏@gallinari8888 has officially retired from the Italy national team with the country's Round of 16 exit at #EuroBasket being his final game for the Azzurri 🇮🇹https://t.co/47wD07bCrh
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 8, 2025
