Women’s EuroBasket, Italy on podium after 30 years: historic bronze medal

A solid, intense and pride-filled performance gives Italy a historic bronze medal at the European Women’s Basketball Championships. The Azzurre overcame France 69-54 in the final for third place and returned the tricolor to the continental podium 30 years after the last time, when they won silver in Brno in 1995.

A victory that is worth much more than a simple placing: it is the consecration of a group that has been able to grow game after game and that has responded greatly to the request of coach Andrea Capobianco, who had asked his girls to close the European expedition with the “icing on the cake.” The Azzurre responded after the semifinal loss to Belgium, dominating France thanks above all to an extraordinary defense, capable of limiting one of the most physical and talented teams in the tournament.

In offense, the leader was Cecilia Zandalasini, scorer of 20 points, once again dragging the team in key moments. Her experience, lucidity in her choices and precision in shooting propelled Italy to a success that was never really in question. “We played with heart, this medal is the fruit of the work of the whole group,” Zandalasini commented after the game. “To be back on the podium after so many years is something special and I think today we showed what we are worth.”

Coach Capobianco praised the attitude of his players, “I’m proud of this team, not only for the medal but for how we were able to react to difficulties and grow during the tournament.”