Limassol, Cyprus – After a disheartening opening loss to a formidable Greek squad, the Italian national basketball team, affectionately known as the Azzurri, delivered a resounding statement of intent at EuroBasket 2025. With a dominant 78-62 victory over Georgia, Italy not only secured their first win of the tournament but also showcased a newfound grit and tactical prowess that left many cautiously optimistic.
The initial defeat against Greece, featuring the undisputed titan Giannis Antetokounmpo, had cast a long shadow, leading to the usual flurry of premature eulogies for Italian basketball. However, as it often happens in sports, the narrative shifted dramatically. The win against Georgia was less about flashy heroics and more about a disciplined, collective effort, proving that the Azzurri are far from ready to pack their bags.
The Turnaround: Defense as the Anchor
Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco`s men entered the contest with a clear objective: rectify their defensive lapses. And for the most part, they succeeded admirably. The first quarter was a masterclass in defensive lockdown, with Italy limiting Georgia to a mere 10 points. Georgia`s struggles were evident, particularly from beyond the arc, where they inexplicably missed all eight of their attempts. This allowed Italy to build an early 18-10 lead, fueled by the youthful energy of players like Spagnolo and Diouf, and the seasoned orchestration of Pajola on both ends of the floor.
However, the narrative of a smooth sailing victory was quickly dispelled in the second quarter. The Azzurri`s offensive rhythm faltered, and Georgia, spearheaded by the formidable Goga Bitadze (who would eventually lead all scorers with 22 points) and the tenacious Baldwin, staged a significant comeback. A 18-9 run for Georgia saw the lead flip, and by halftime, the scores were perfectly balanced at 32-32. It was a stark reminder of the tournament`s unforgiving nature and the need for sustained intensity.
Melli`s Spark and Niang`s Energy: Igniting the Azzurri Fire
The third quarter began with Georgia appearing to gain momentum, pushing their lead to 41-37, primarily through Bitadze and Maukelashvili. It was at this critical juncture that the veteran presence of Nicolò Melli proved indispensable. His clutch three-pointer served as the catalyst for an emphatic 11-0 Italian run, abruptly shifting the psychological advantage. This surge saw the Azzurri reclaim the lead at 48-41, with Simone Fontecchio, always a reliable scorer, joining the offensive party. A spectacular alley-oop connection between Thompson and Diouf further ignited the team, galvanizing their collective spirit.
By the end of the third quarter, Italy had established a six-point lead (53-47), but the decisive blow was yet to come. The final period saw the Georgian challenge unravel, not least due to a perceived “short bench” and the dramatic exit of their star, Tornike Shengelia, who was ejected after failing to score a single point and seemingly struggling with a reported arrhythmia. While Shengelia`s passion is undeniable, his on-court frustrations appeared to spill over, impacting his team`s composure.
Conversely, Italy`s young phenom, Mouhamet Diouf, alongside the perpetually energetic Ismael Niang (who some enthusiastically compared to a “young Kobe Bryant” in post-match discussions), propelled the Azzurri with another commanding 13-0 run. This put the game definitively out of reach for Georgia, culminating in the decisive 78-62 victory.
Beyond the Scoreboard: What This Win Means
This victory was more than just two points in the standings; it was a profound affirmation of Italy`s identity and resilience. While their three-point shooting still leaves room for improvement (a modest 29%), the team demonstrated its ability to win through robust defense, effective interior play, and shared offensive responsibility. Fontecchio, Niang, and Diouf were the leading scorers, all reaching double digits, underscoring the collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
The debates surrounding player rotations, particularly the limited minutes for veteran Danilo Gallinari, persist among fans and pundits. Some argue that his experience and scoring touch are being underutilized, while others suggest the team`s high-intensity defensive scheme might not suit his current capabilities. Coach Pozzecco, however, seems committed to a specific vision, prioritizing defensive consistency and the integration of dynamic young talent.
As Italy now prepares to face Bosnia-Herzegovina, the task remains clear: to build on this newfound momentum and solidify their position in Group C. The EuroBasket 2025 journey is long and unpredictable, with upsets and comebacks being the order of the day. For the Azzurri, the triumph over Georgia was not just a win, but a loud and clear declaration: they are here to compete, and they intend to make some noise.
