Pro Rome Crumbles in Semifinals: Italy’s 3×3 Basketball Ambitions Face Early Hurdle at Alba Tournament
ROME — The opening tournament for Italy’s EuroBasket 2025 qualification campaign ended abruptly for Team Rome, as the national 3×3 side suffered a 22-10 semifinal defeat to FIBA Europe-ranked Kings Varese
on Wednesday at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome. The loss, coming after a 21-11 victory over Concrete 3×3 in the quarterfinals, dashed hopes of an undefeated run and exposed tactical vulnerabilities that could complicate Italy’s path to next year’s continental showpiece.
The Stakes of the Alba Tournament
The Alba Tournament, hosted by the Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro (FIP), served as Italy’s first major test ahead of EuroBasket 2025 qualification. With six teams competing in a round-robin format followed by semifinals and a final, the event was designed to gauge Italy’s readiness for the high-pressure qualifying window.
For Team Rome—Italy’s national 3×3 team—this tournament was more than just preparation. It was a chance to prove they could compete with the likes of Kings Varese, a team that has consistently ranked in the top five of FIBA’s 3×3 World Tour. The semifinal defeat, however, raises questions about Italy’s ability to sustain offensive rhythm and defensive intensity over multiple quarters.
How It Unfolded: Key Moments from the Semifinal
From the outset, Kings Varese set a blistering pace, converting 10 of their first 12 shots to build an 18-8 lead by the 10-minute mark. Team Rome, led by veteran playmaker Giovanni Donadio (6 points, 3 assists), struggled to contain Varese’s perimeter shooting and transition attacks.
Donadio, who scored a career-high 6 points in the tournament, later reflected on the mismatch: “We knew Varese’s shooting was elite, but we didn’t adapt quickly enough. By the time we figured out their patterns, it was too late.”
Italy’s best hope came from Alexander Rashed, who dropped 7 points and 4 rebounds but was repeatedly targeted by Varese’s double-teams. Rashed’s 3-point shooting (2-of-5) became a liability as the game stretched into its final quarter.
The final act was a masterclass in Varese’s depth. With 30 seconds remaining, substitute Alessandro Giachetti (12 points) hit a step-back three to seal the win. Team Rome’s bench, which contributed just 3 points in the game, was exposed as a potential weak link for Italy’s EuroBasket campaign.
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Varese | 22 | 18 | 14 | 6 |
| Team Rome | 10 | 12 | 8 | 12 |
Three Takeaways: What This Loss Reveals
- Offensive Stagnation: Team Rome’s inability to score in transition (0-of-8 fast-break attempts) crippled their rhythm. Against Varese’s press-heavy defense, Italy’s half-court sets became predictable, allowing Varese to dictate tempo.
- Bench Depth: With only three players scoring in double figures across the tournament, Italy’s lack of depth could hinder their EuroBasket qualification. The FIP has already signaled potential roster adjustments ahead of the next tournament in Montenegro.
- Mental Resilience: The loss to Varese—who had already defeated Team Rome 21-11 in the 2023 World Tour—highlighted a recurring issue: Italy’s inability to close out games against elite opposition. In the final 2 minutes of the semifinal, Team Rome committed 5 turnovers, a trend that has plagued them in high-pressure moments.
Italy’s 3×3 Struggles: A Pattern or a Blip?
This isn’t the first time Team Rome has faltered in critical moments. At the 2023 World Tour in Amsterdam, Italy lost to Serbia in the quarterfinals after leading by 8 points in the final minute. The common thread? A collapse in defensive intensity and a failure to adapt to opponents’ tactical shifts.
Head coach Giacomo Donadoni (no relation to Giovanni) has emphasized a system-based approach, but critics argue the team lacks the athleticism to execute it consistently. “We’re not a team of freak athletes,” Donadoni said in a post-tournament press conference. “Our success depends on execution, and today, we didn’t deliver.”
What complicates matters is Italy’s EuroBasket 2025 qualification begins in just 10 months. The FIP has scheduled two more preparatory tournaments—one in Milan (July) and another in Podgorica (October)—where Team Rome will need to prove they’ve addressed these flaws.
FAQ: What In other words for Italy’s 3×3 Future
1. Does this loss eliminate Italy from EuroBasket 2025?
No. The Alba Tournament is a preparatory event, not a qualifying round. Italy must still compete in the official EuroBasket 3×3 qualifiers, which begin in January 2025.
2. Who are Italy’s biggest rivals in qualification?
Based on recent form, Serbia, France, and Russia are the top contenders. Italy will need to improve defensively to compete with these teams.
3. Can Team Rome still win the Alba Tournament?
Unlikely. After the semifinal loss, Italy will play for third place against Concrete 3×3, but the focus is now on damage control ahead of the Milan tournament.
How to Follow Team Rome’s Recovery
For real-time updates, follow:
- Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro (official site)
- FIBA Europe 3×3 news
- FIBA’s official Twitter for tournament highlights
Next confirmed checkpoint: Team Rome vs. Concrete 3×3 (Bronze Medal Game)
Date: June 13, 2024
Time: 18:00 UTC+2 (12:00 ET)
Venue: Palazzo dello Sport, Rome
Broadcast: FIP’s official stream (Italian language)
What do you think: Is Team Rome’s semifinal loss a sign of deeper issues, or just a rough patch? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.basketusa.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F05%2FUSATSI_28311332_168380191_lowres1.jpg)