PIRAEUS (Greece) - Italy bounced back from their Semi-Final heartbreak to win the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 bronze medal after beating France 69-54 in Piraeus.
Having won silver back in 1995, Italy returned to the podium with a vibrant team performance that was full of heart as they denied France back-to-back bronze medals.
Turning point
Having been down by double-figures, France were squeezing Italy hard in the last quarter and with just over 5 minutes remaining, cut the gap to 56-51. But a huge three-point shot from Cecilia Zandalasini got Italy rolling again and it felt like the air started to go out of the French balloon.
TCL Player of the Game
Cecilia Zandalasini put in a leader's performance when it mattered most for her country. She harvested 20 points, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks - as well as doing all the little things that great players do in the biggest games.
Stats don't lie
After their 5 of 30 nightmare in the Semi-Final against Spain from downtown, France continued to rely heavily on their perimeter shooting. This time they put up 20 attempts and again came up way short, converting only 2 of them. In contrast, Italy were 7 of 15 from long-range.
Bottom line
Italy played superbly and barely missed a beat. Importantly they managed the lead they accrued early in the second-half really well in the last 15 minutes. Their defense stood up and their decision-making was generally impressive. This was a tremendous victory and achievement and perhaps most exciting of all, this might nt be a one-off.
France used to be feeling frustrated with a string of silver medals and now they have just one bronze in two editions. To not end their 16-year title drought was disappointing, to not make the Final was crushing, but to not even take bronze was unthinkable. Their combined 7 of 50 from three-point range in their two biggest games told a story - as did too many players not turning up in their highest gear.
They said
"I reminded the players of how proud I am of coaching them. I wish I could coach them all year around if I could. The game plan was to control the rhythm and keep it low as France are physical and athletic. We followed the game plan and I want to thank the players, coaches and staff." Italy coach, Andrea Capobianco "There is a lot of emotion and been waiting for this moment for many years. This is my fifth Women's EuroBasket so we always wanted to do great things, but it is such a challenge with great opponents. I am overwhelmed that we ended up with this medal. This is the best day of my life." Italy guard, Cecilia Zandalasini
"I want to congratulate Italy who played great and as a team. We didn't really play the way that we should after coming to the tournament with a high expectation." France coach, Jean-Aime Toupane.
FIBA