LIMASSOL (Cyprus) - Italy finished the Group Phase of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 in style with a comfortable 89-64 victory over hosts Cyprus for their fourth straight win.
The Italians, who were already qualified for the Round of 16 going into the game, led for nearly the entire contest for a 4-1 record in Group C. Cyprus closed their first-ever appearance at EuroBasket with a 0-5 record.
Turning Point
Cyprus scored the first two points of the game but their dreams of a possible shocker were immediately ended as Italy reeled off the next 19 points for a 19-2 advantage. Gianmarco Pozzecco's team did not let up the rest of the way.
TCL Player of the Game
Matteo Spagnolo did a little bit of everything for the Italians as the 22-year-old scored 13 points but also grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 5 assists and swiped 4 steals.
Mouhamet Diouf was outstanding again in the post with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists and Simone Fontecchio added 13 points. Filippos Tigkas collected 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the loss and Darral Willis picked up 10 points.
Stats Don't Lie
Italy committed only 6 turnovers and dished out 26 assists while out-rebounding the hosts 48 to 30, including 17 offensive rebounds. Those boards led to a 20-3 advantage in second chance points.
Bottom Line
Italy will be heading to Riga on a roll with four straight wins following their tournament-opening loss to Greece. Italy still could finish first in the group depending on the result in the day's final game between Spain and Greece, after which Italy's opponent for the Round of 16 will be determined.
With the loss, Cyprus became the third team to lose each of their games in a tournament they were hosting following Romania 2017 (five games) and Sweden in 2003 (three games).
They Said
We are so happy to have finished the first phase in a strong way. Now we have to be focused on the next phase, which will be even more important. The next game will be against a great team for sure." - Mouhamet Diouf, Italy
"We wanted to play strong and wanted to play well to have good feelings going to Riga for the next game. And I think we are ready." - Matteo Spagnolo, Italy
"We played against great teams, great coaches, great players - the best in the world. It was a dream until a couple years ago for us. I hope this is just the beginning of something for the basketball community in Cyprus. I hope we keep on growing and I hope this is not our last time here." - Filippos Tigkas, Cyprus
Every game we were getting better. Every game you have to try to match the intensity and physicality. We knew that we have a lack of size. But we give everything 100 percent and sacrificed every game. I think we got better during this tournament." - Konstantinos Simitzis, Cyprus
This game report will be updated in the coming moments. Stay tuned.
For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!
FIBA