MUNICH (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 Qualifiers) - The number of times that newly appointed Andrea Capobianco punched the air in delight and blew out his cheeks as a clear sign of relief, was proof of just how much of a test Italy were given by Great Britain.

As Manchester lived up to its reputation for rain outside the Arena, Italy endured a miserable early game drought which had threatened to ruin their night.

As they did in Montenegro, the dangerous Brits raced out of the blocks and surged ahead as Italy floundered - making only 2-from-19 in the early stages.

But, the veteran class of Laura Macchi eventually shone through in a big way, as she showed why her decision to return to action after six years in the national team wilderness was so important.

In a rugged game which was crying out for quality, the EuroLeague Women star sunk 27 points as Italy also turned the tables on the their opponents by shutting down the home offence.

"Great Britain are a good team and they play really solid basketball," said Capobianco afterwards."We didn't approach the game in the right way, but we found new confidence with our defence.

"I want to congratulate my team for their toughness as this was a hard test for us.

"We obtained a great victory - even if the road to EuroBasket Women 2017 remains very long," he added.

The all-important cameo came from Jenifer Nadalin and her near double-double of 10 points and nine boards was priceless, as she made up for the loss of Kathrin Ress in the post.

And, Nadalin was quick to praise her former Beretta Famila Schio team-mates for their interventions and paid tribute to the way Italy dealt with the pressure of their false start.

She said, "In the first half, we missed a lot of open shots and we could have lost confidence.

"But this team has talent and heart, and we stayed focused on the game plan.

"Our most experienced players in [Laura] Macchi, [Raffaella] Masciadri and [Giorgia] Sottana were important in the most important parts of the game.

"We are very happy for this win in such a tough game and we showed our team is like a family"

In beating Great Britain, Italy ensured the hosts were no longer rolling with some tough punches on the ropes after an opening defeat in Montenegro, but are now left with one knee on the canvas.While Capobianco's tenure has started with two wins, the reign of Jose Maria Buceta has drawn a blank.

The Spaniard watched his team narrow to 46-44 entering the final five minutes, before the added quality and experience of his opponents snatched away the prospect of a much needed triumph.

"You have to give credit to Macchi and it was unfortunate for us that she chose to return for this window after such a long time out of the Italy team," he mused.

"I am proud of what my players have done in the ten days since we came together and I think the team has improved.

"It would have been good to have won this game, but in the second quarter we couldn't find a position to take and make good shots.

"We made some mistakes defensively and they scored 22 points in that second quarter and that was the key to the game."

He concluded, "The situation is not good, but we still have four games to play.

"We have hope and we are heading in the right direction as a team - even if the results have not showed it just yet."

 FIBA