BOLOGNA (Italy) - Italy, Lithuania, Serbia and Slovenia will tip off their FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 campaigns in Bologna, Italy.
The PalaDozza will be the venue for Group B games, with action taking place on June 18, 19 and 21.
Which two teams will advance and qualify for the Final Phase in Piraeus?
Schedule
Teams
Italy - This year's co-hosts won the first edition in 1938 on home soil. They used more players than anyone in the Qualifiers. Team leader Cecilia Zandalasini still capable of special things, with Jasmine Keys a threat in the paint.
Lithuania - Champions back in 1997, Lithuania return to the event after a decade away. They showed their potential by almost toppling Belgium in the last qualifying window. They have big talent in Laura Juskaite and Juste Jocyte.
Serbia - They're chasing a third title in a decade, having won their maiden crown in 2015 and then again in 2021. With veteran guard Yvonne Anderson leading the way, do they still have enough for another title run?
Slovenia - The 2023 co-hosts appear for a fifth straight edition, never missing since their 2017 debut. Fabulous in qualifying, they have a great captain in Teja Oblak, with Jessica Shepard and Eva Lisec tough under the hoop.
Favorites: It could be argued that this is a 'Group of Death' with very little between any of these teams. The strongest case as favorites might go in the direction of Slovenia, who caught fire in the Qualifiers, have momentum and a brilliant fusion of young guns and veterans. They also have such a great coach in Georgios Dikaioulakos.
Key matchup: In a super-balanced group, the schedule is packed with key matchups. Serbia and Italy could be one to watch in particular though. Veteran Yvonne Anderson is a guiding light for a Serbian team in transition, while Italy can lean on their own experienced leader in Cecilia Zandalasini as well as passionate home fans in Bologna.
Underdogs: Back at the big show for the first time in a decade, Lithuania might have that underdog feeling - even if they could viably finish in any spot if they play to their full potential. But they're vulnerable in the sense that they probably need the outstanding Juste Jocyte to be operating at her maximum and it's a lot to ask of a youngster.
Star: Jessica Shepard (SLO)
After a sticky start in the first window of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, the addition of Shepard after this transformed Slovenia in a big way. They have looked rejuvenated and with a whole new dimension with the forward on board. A walking 'double-double' it would be a shock if she didn't put huge numbers on the board.
Rising star: Juste Jocyte (LTU)
A generational talent and teenage phenomenon, Jocyte is a leader for Lithuania way ahead of time because of her impact on the floor and extensive skill-set. She brings such composure despite her young age and with her scoring ability, she could be the one that ends up firing them into the Quarter-Finals.
History
FIBA World Ranking for Women presented by NIKE
RANK | NATIONAL TEAM |
|---|---|
#8 | Serbia |
#16 | Italy |
#22 | Slovenia |
#45 | Lithuania |
Tickets
FIBA