Italvolley, second place finish and eighth against Doncic’s Slovenia

As predicted, Italy sharply beat Cyprus (89-54), captures its fourth consecutive victory at EuroBasket 2025 and closes in second place in Group C. The Azzurri, listed in mourning for the passing of Giorgio Armani, will play against Slovenia in the Round of 16 in Riga on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Italian time (Rai, RaiPlay, DAZN, Sky Sport Basket, Now and Courtside 1891 FIBA). The transfer to Latvia is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5.

Italy thus reunites with Slovenia, last faced at the 2023 Philippine World Cup in Manila (defeated 85-89). In total, the precedents are in favor of the Slovenians: nine Azzurre victories and 15 defeats. Three previous in a European Championship with three defeats (2013, 2007, 2003).
Coach Sekulic’s team finished third in Group D behind France and Poland with 3 wins (vs Iceland, Israel and Belgium) and 2 losses (vs Poland and France). Luka Doncic is currently the top scorer in EuroBasket 2025 with an impressive 32.4 average points per game.

Best scorers against Cyprus Simone Fontecchio and Matteo Spagnolo with 13 points. Danilo Gallinari finished with 12 points. Double-double for Momo Diouf with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Thus CT Gianmarco Pozzecco: “As you all know, this evening Mr. Giorgio Armani left us. I had the honor of knowing him in person during my years in Milan and learning this news left me speechless. In the locker room I told the boys to play with intensity also to honor his memory. I lived several years abroad and I know very well that his name is in the world synonymous with Italian spirit, elegance and style. He will be missed. Returning to the competition, I congratulate Cyprus for playing all the games until the end without ever giving up. And a warm thank you to everyone at the arena and in the hotel who treated us so well and made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Slovenia? It’s going to be tough and as I always say, in these competitions you also need a bit of luck.”