BERLIN (Germany) – Italy’s return to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup starts with a win, their first in over 30 years, 63-54 over Czechia at the Max Schmelling-Halle in Berlin, Germany.
"This was very important for us because it was the first game and we have a lot of emotion," said Matilde Villa, who stood out with 14 points.
"We already knew that this was a tough game, but we shared the ball, we try to run and then we win so that was the important thing."
Their last World Cup win came in the final game of their most recent appearance in the competition in 1994. They beat Japan 90-75 in the Eleventh-Place game.
It was also a revenge game of sorts, as Czechia had actually beaten Italy the last time they played in the Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, 74-69.
There was already plenty of anticipation building up in the team heading into the game which might have cause a bit of a slow start.
"We were really excited because this is a big opportunity for us. We were [so] happy to play this game and we couldn't wait to play," said Villa.
The Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Bronze medallists had to battle their way back in front after falling behind to Czechia early in the game. They did so riding the stellar play of Cecilia Zandalasini, who ended the game with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The player who was made the memorable and clutch buckets, however, was indeed Villa.
The up-and-coming 21-year-old started the game by making Italy’s first basket, one that fans had been 32 years in the making.
She then hit a three-pointer just before the third-quarter buzzer, expanding Italy’s lead to a two-possession game for good. She also made another important basket later in the final quarter - and and-one layup that gave Italy their first double-digit lead.
She was, however, quick to deflect the attention on those moments: "I just try to help my teammates when they need me. I think that we are really good at sharing the ball and trying to find the the open man. I think that all of us were good this this time."
FIBA