The Italian women’s national basketball team finished the group stage of the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin with a 71-51 defeat against China, landing the Azzurre in third place in Group D and setting up a decisive knockout playoff against Australia.
According to match reports from ANSA, the team managed by Capobianco struggled to find its rhythm after expending significant physical and mental energy in a hard-fought battle against the United States just 24 hours earlier. China, playing as the finaliste uscenti, capitalized on its massive frontline advantage. The squad from Beijing deployed 19-year-old Zhang Ziyu—standing at 2 meters and 23 centimeters, making her the tallest player ever to compete in a World Cup—alongside 2-meter-08 WNBA player Han Xu.
The tactical mismatch showed immediately on the floor. The first quarter ended with a 23-7 deficit, according to ANSA’s game account, which quickly ballooned as the match progressed.
How the Match Unfolded: Slow Start and Second-Half Push
By halftime, China had built a commanding 40-21 lead, controlling the rebounding battle and suffocating Italy’s perimeter shooters. Italy shifted its defensive intensity upon returning from the locker room, clawing back to win the third quarter and trimming the deficit to 12 points, with the match moving to 55-42 before the final period began.
Despite the spirited comeback attempt, the deep deficit proved too steep to overcome. In the fourth quarter, China stabilized its offense, executed down the stretch, and secured the 71-51 final margin to claim second place in Group D.
Matilde Villa led the scoring for Italy with 15 points, while teammate Cecilia Zandalasini added 12 points, as reported by ANSA.
Standings Implications and the Road Ahead
With the group stage concluded, the tournament format requires third-place Group D finisher Italy to navigate an elimination crossover match to secure a spot in the top eight. The United States claimed the top seed in Group D to earn a direct ticket to the quarterfinals, while China secured second place.
The Azzurre will now face Australia on Wednesday, September 9, in a high-stakes qualification game. Australia finished second in Group C behind Belgium. Wednesday’s winner advances directly to the World Cup quarterfinals, while the losing side sees its tournament run end immediately.
Capobianco’s squad faces a quick turnaround in Berlin to reset physically and mentally, knowing a single victory separates them from a spot among the elite eight teams in international basketball.
