Italian international Gianluca Basile is more  determined than ever to continue to captain his national team.

The Skipper Bologna guard has overcome several injuries throughout the  season to return to his top form.

“I am fit now but it has been a critical year in terms of injuries,” said the Azzurri captain to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 29-year-old battled injuries last summer to help the Azzurri win a  bronze medal at the European Championships and qualify for the Olympics.

Although the hard work paid off it has certainly taken its toll on him.

“I have not been well for four consecutive months,” he admitted.

“I have been told it's the effect of the extra work done between club and national team; as I get older it’s more difficult to play 100 games a year and maybe this is true.”

Despite the setbacks, Basile remains determined to keep his spot in Carlo Recalcati's Italy.

“I am not giving up on the national team,” he said.

“Until Recalcati throws me out I will not say no to defending the Azzurri colours,” he said.

That is the spirit that will no doubt please the Azzurri coach who has high hopes for Basile as well as Benetton Treviso's Massimo Bulleri for this summer's big event.

The Italian point-guard, who claimed a league and cup double last season with Benetton prior to capturing the bronze medal in Sweden, has also struggled to keep his top form.

Bulleri made a stunning come-back to help his team defend the Coppa Italia title on Saturday, following one month out of action due to a muscle injury.

However, the 26-year-old is aware that he faces a challenging task ahead.

With fierce competition coming from Tyus Edney and the recently signed Germaine Jackson also fighting for a place in Ettore Messina's top five, Bulleri will have to gear up for the crucial months.

“I always try to find the positive angle,” admitted Bulleri.

“Jackson is a strong player and it will no doubt reinforce the team.

“This is the reality of our work, whether or not I have more playing minutes depends solely on me, on my performances,” he said.

With Italian forward Alex Righetti also sidelined with a knee injury, Montepaschi Siena forward Giacomo Galanda is relieved that he has not suffered the same fate as his national team-mates.

“I touch wood, unlike many of my national team-mates, I have not had any serious injuries,” he said.