Bargnani began his career in 2002–03 with Stella Azzura Roma in Italy's Serie B2 division, averaging 13.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 23 games. He then signed with Lega A side Benetton Treviso for the 2003–04 season and played there until 2006.

In 2003–04, he posted averages of 4.9 points and 2.0 rebounds in 10 games in his first Lega A season with Benetton. He made eight Read more...

Bargnani entered the 2006 NBA Draft and was selected first overall by the Toronto Raptors. On November 1, 2006, in his regular season debut against the New Jersey Nets, in 8 minutes of play he recorded 2 points, 2 rebounds and 2 blocks. In the process, he also became the fourth ever Italian-born player to play in the NBA. Like many rookies, Bargnani took some time to adapt to the league and as he Read more...

Bargnani has played for the Italian junior and under-20 national teams. He competed on the World Select Team at the 2004 Nike Hoop Summit. Bargnani also featured in EuroBasket 2007. The Italians finished ninth in the competition and in six games Bargnani averaged 12.7 ppg and 5.0 rpg in 28.7 minutes per game.