The EuroBasket 2025 commenced with a highly anticipated Group C clash in Limassol, Cyprus, as Greece faced Italy. While the Azzurri arrived with hopes of a triumphant start, the evening quickly became a testament to the sheer force of nature that is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who almost single-handedly steered Greece to a commanding 75-66 victory. For Italy, this debut was less a dream and more a stark awakening to the challenges ahead.
The Unstoppable Force: Giannis Antetokounmpo
From the moment the ball tipped, it was clear that stopping “The Greek Freak” was an assignment Italy simply couldn`t fulfill. Antetokounmpo delivered a performance that transcended mere statistics, logging an impressive 31 points. He was a whirlwind under the basket, a gravitational pull drawing defenders, and an offensive engine that proved too powerful for Italy`s best efforts. His energy was infectious, his dunks emphatic, and his presence, quite frankly, devastating. While other Greek players contributed, Antetokounmpo dictated the game`s tempo and trajectory, leaving the Italian defense constantly grasping at air.
Giannis Antetokounmpo in action, dominating the court for Greece.
Italy`s Offensive Conundrum and Bright Spots
For Italian coach Gianmarco Pozzecco`s squad, the offensive flow remained elusive. Simone Fontecchio, typically a reliable scorer, endured a forgettable night, connecting on just 1 of 11 attempts from the field for a paltry 4 points. This individual struggle, combined with a collective inability to hit from beyond the arc (a meager 7-of-27 from three-point range), severely hampered Italy`s ability to keep pace. The Azzurri`s starts to quarters, particularly the first and third, often left them playing catch-up, allowing Greece to establish and maintain control.
Despite the overall struggle, there were glimmers of defiance. Captain Nicolo Melli showcased his characteristic resilience, leading the team with 15 points and earning the moniker “Captain Courage.” Mouhamet Diouf (Niang) provided energetic bursts, adding 11 points and valuable athleticism under the rim, while Guglielmo Ricci contributed useful minutes. These individual efforts, along with a decent showing in rebounds and assists, hinted at potential, but ultimately, they weren`t enough to counteract Antetokounmpo`s supremacy.
Nicolo Melli (center) fighting for position against the Antetokounmpo brothers.
A Game of Peaks and Valleys
The first quarter saw Giannis unleash his power, contributing 8 quick points as Greece carved out an early 19-12 lead, extending it to a 22-12 advantage by the quarter`s end, thanks in part to a timely three-pointer from Papanikolaou. Italy battled back in the second, capitalizing on Greek turnovers and finding some rhythm through Gallinari and Niang`s athleticism. They closed the half with renewed energy, trimming the deficit to just four points, 32-36, suggesting a possible turnaround.
However, the third quarter brought a return to Italy`s woes. Fontecchio`s shooting slump continued, and despite Giannis momentarily resting, the Greek brothers, Kostas and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, ensured their team maintained its dominance in the paint and on the boards. Greece surged to a 56-45 lead by the end of the third period. The fourth quarter saw Greece push their lead to a game-high 14 points. While Italy mounted a late, desperate charge, a quick 6-2 mini-break sparked by Fontecchio`s first three and a clutch Spagnolo basket brought them within five points (71-66) with just 49 seconds remaining. Alas, the clock, much like Giannis, was an insurmountable opponent.
The Azzurri displayed courage, a quality never truly absent from Italian sports. Yet, against a force of nature like Antetokounmpo, courage alone can sometimes feel like bringing a pasta spoon to a basketball court.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Test for Italy
This EuroBasket opener underscores a critical truth: even with flashes of brilliance, consistent execution is paramount at this level. For Greece, it was a robust, Antetokounmpo-powered start, validating their tournament aspirations. For Italy, the defeat raises immediate questions about offensive consistency and defensive intensity. Their next opponent, Georgia, who surprisingly triumphed over Spain, presents an immediate and crucial test. The Azzurri will need to quickly “turn the corner” and find their rhythm, or their continental journey might prove to be a short and painful one. The spotlight remains on coach Pozzecco to ignite a spark within his team and transform raw courage into winning strategy.
