ROME (FIBA World Championship) - Italy international Alex Righetti has had a serious operation on his left knee and will not play at the FIBA World Championship.
The Lottomatica Roma forward, an important member of Italy's silver-medal winning side at the Olympics, went under the knife this week and will not return to action until next season.
"Righetti had surgery to remove a piece of his torn meniscus and reconstruct a cross ligament in his left knee," said Lottomatica Roma doctor Paolo Montero to PA Sport.
"The player will be out of action for approximately four to five months out of action.
"He will begin rehabilitation on Monday."
The 28-year-old Righetti, who also helped his nation win bronze at European Championship in 2003, also played at last year's EuroBasket in Serbia & Montenegro.
"It's a blow for me but especially for him," said Italy coach Carlo Recalcati to PA Sport. "Righetti has been an important player for the national team in recent years. He is a player that has always been ready to play for Italy.
"It was necessary for him to have this operation and I hope that he can return to play soon.
"He will be in my plans for the future and I'm sure he will have him back in the national team next summer."
The FIBA World Championship in Japan tips off in August.
From Cindy Garcia-Bennett
PA Sport, Rome Exclusively for FIBA