Following an initial setback, the Italian Men`s National Basketball Team, affectionately known as the Azzurri, delivered a resounding performance against Georgia, securing a decisive 78-62 victory in the EuroBasket 2025 group stage. This win was not merely a notch in the standings; it was a potent statement of intent, a collective exhale after the collective gasp following their opening loss to Greece. The immediate post-defeat analyses, which often swing wildly from cautious optimism to existential dread, can now be re-evaluated.
A Tactical Rebound: From Uncertainty to Assertion
The narrative surrounding the Azzurri quickly shifted after their initial EuroBasket encounter. One might have thought the sky was falling. However, just when the armchair coaches had begun penning their eulogies for Italy`s tournament hopes, the team staged a remarkable turnaround. The 78-62 scoreline against Georgia speaks volumes, effectively quashing many of the uncertainties that had clouded their debut. While not every challenge vanished into thin air, a significant portion certainly did.
One persistent challenge was their three-point shooting, which remained subdued at a mere 29%. Yet, in a testament to the adage “where there`s a will, there`s a way,” Italy found success through sheer team synergy. Three players emerged as primary offensive catalysts, reaching double-digit scores: Simone Fontecchio, Ousmane Niang, and Mouhamet Diouf. The younger contingent injected much-needed dynamism, with veterans like Nicolo Melli orchestrating play with the precision of a seasoned conductor. Even Thompson, still finding his rhythm, began to carve out his indispensable role.
The See-Saw Battle: Georgia`s Early Fight
The game was far from a comfortable cruise, especially in the initial two quarters. The Azzurri often appeared to be circling, perhaps a tad too tentatively, allowing Georgia to capitalize. Georgian center Goga Bitadze, a formidable presence, was a primary beneficiary, amassing 22 points for his team. The first quarter, however, saw Italy`s defense shine brightly, limiting Georgia to a mere 10 points. The Georgians` own struggle from beyond the arc (0/8 from three-point range) certainly aided Italy`s cause. Yet, what truly set Italy apart, mirroring glimpses from their Greece game, was an intangible concoction of desire, grit, and courage. These emotions fueled the Azzurri, keeping them ahead 18-10 after ten minutes, notably boosted by Niang`s timely free throws and a corner triple.
But basketball is a game of runs, and Georgia was not to be easily dismissed. The second quarter saw a shift in momentum as Italy faltered slightly. Spissu and Ricci struggled to find their offensive rhythm, and Georgia surged back with an 18-9 partial run. Propelled by a “furious” Tornike Shengelia (who, ironically given his zero points later, appeared deeply involved in the game`s emotional swings) and the scoring of Baldwin (9 points), Georgia momentarily snatched the lead at 28-27. Fontecchio and Spagnolo steadied the Italian ship, leading to a precarious 32-32 tie at halftime – an equilibrium that masked the underlying tension.
Second-Half Surge: Melli`s Maestro Touch and Niang`s Gusto
Coach Pozzecco, ever the pragmatist, reshuffled his lineup for the second half, leaning heavily on Melli, whose versatility proved indispensable. Georgia initially seemed to maintain their momentum, with Bitadze`s relentless offensive and defensive pressure (blocks, points, and sheer presence) allowing the Georgians to widen their lead to 37-41. It was at this critical juncture that Melli ignited the spark, sinking a pivotal three-pointer that initiated an electrifying 11-0 run for Italy, injecting the team with a much-needed shot of confidence. Fontecchio joined the offensive “party,” pushing Italy to a 48-41 advantage. The collective excitement was palpable when Thompson delivered a superb alley-oop pass to Diouf, further energizing the squad. Fontecchio, Pajola, and Diouf continued to press, and despite a late three-pointer from Sanadze, Ricci swiftly countered, maintaining Italy`s lead at 53-47 heading into the final quarter.
The final ten minutes proved decisive. Georgia`s relatively short bench began to show signs of fatigue, compounded by the sheer “enthusiasm of Niang, son of the wind,” as the Italian press affectionately dubbed him. Another dominant 13-0 run by the Azzurri effectively sealed their path to glory. In a dramatic turn, Shengelia, who had been an emotional focal point for Georgia, was ejected from the game. This loss, coupled with what was described as a “disintegrating” Georgian effort, left Italy in full control. The initial concern about Shengelia`s zero-point contribution might have seemed an anomaly, but the impact of his early emotional engagement and later departure was undeniable.
Looking Ahead: Identity and Momentum
This vital victory in EuroBasket 2025 was a testament to Italy`s defensive fortitude, a direct answer to the questions raised by their opening defeat. While the three-point shooting still requires refinement, the collective spirit, the emergence of young talents like Niang and Diouf, and the unwavering leadership of veterans like Melli provide a solid foundation.
The Azzurri are scheduled to face Bosnia-Herzegovina next, a match that will further define their identity and trajectory in the tournament. Having weathered the initial storm and demonstrated a remarkable capacity for resilience, Italy has proven that the road to European basketball success is paved not just with individual brilliance, but with unwavering collective effort and a steely defensive resolve. The Italian roar, initially a whisper of frustration, is now a confident assertion.
Elton Marrow