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Report: Andrea Bargnani set for MRI after injuring ankle for Italy

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets would be forgiven for instituting a no-international play policy at this point.

Days after Bojan Bogdanovic injured his ankle playing in an exhibition game for Croatia, Andrea Bargnani has done the same in a friendly for Italy.

Caught woefully out of position on the defensive end, the 7-footer attempted to recover below the rim and contest a shot but landed awkwardly, appearing to roll his right ankle. He left the game and is set for an MRI on Saturday, according to a report from Sportando, though the injury is not believed to be serious.

The Nets signed Bargnani to a two-year deal this summer, hoping a fresh start and lack of pressure will help his career rebound. Entering the season at less than full health would run contrary to that idea, but there remains plenty of time for the career 35.6 percent 3-point shooter to heal ahead of training camp.

Bargnani hasn't suited up for the national team since EuroBasket 2011, when he averaged 22.8 points and 7.4 rebounds only to see his squad finish 17th.

Italy is set for an exhibition game against Michigan State on Saturday and will kick off their EuroBasket 2015 slate on Sept. 5.

It'll be tough for the No. 36 ranked team in the world and 14th in the region by FIBA to earn a spot at the 2016 Olympics. Only the top two teams from EuroBasket earn a berth, with four more punching a ticket to next summer's last-chance qualifying tournament, and Italy faces tough odds in a loaded pool that includes Spain, Turkey, Serbia, and Germany.

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