The Italian national basketball team, the Azzurri, delivered a resounding performance against Georgia, securing a 78-62 victory that serves as a powerful statement of intent after their initial setback at EuroBasket 2025.
Limassol, Cyprus – August 30, 2025 – Following a less-than-ideal start to their EuroBasket 2025 journey with a loss to Greece, the Italian national basketball team, affectionately known as the Azzurri, hit the court against Georgia with a palpable sense of urgency. What unfolded was a tactical masterclass and a display of sheer willpower, culminating in a decisive 78-62 triumph that firmly puts Italy back on track.
A Defensive Declaration: The First Quarter Dominance
From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco`s men had absorbed the lessons from their previous outing. The Azzurri unleashed a defensive intensity that stifled Georgia`s offensive rhythm from the get-go. With relentless pressure and astute rotations, Italy conceded a mere 10 points in the first quarter, establishing an 18-10 lead. The Georgian squad, for their part, seemed to have left their three-point compass back in Tbilisi, managing a perplexing 0-for-8 from beyond the arc. Young talents like Spagnolo and Diouf provided crucial sparks, while Pajola orchestrated the defense and offense with veteran poise. The burgeoning energy of Mouhamet Diouf and the surprising efficiency of Ismael Niang, who converted free throws and a corner triple, underscored Italy’s dynamic start.
Georgian Rally: The Battle for Halftime
The second quarter, however, saw a shift in momentum. As Italy`s initially stellar three-point shooting (which ultimately settled at a modest 29% for the game) wavered, Georgia, spearheaded by the formidable Goga Bitadze, began to claw their way back. Bitadze, who would eventually lead Georgia with 22 points, combined with Baldwin to orchestrate an 18-9 run that momentarily seized control of the game for the Georgians, pushing them ahead 28-27. Italy`s Spissu and Ricci found themselves struggling to find their rhythm, and a visibly agitated Tornike Shengelia fueled his team`s resurgence. Yet, the Azzurri refused to break, with Fontecchio and Spagnolo stepping up to ensure the score remained deadlocked at 32-32 heading into the locker room. The parity spoke volumes about the competitive spirit on display.
Melli`s Maestro Stroke and the Decisive Surge
Coach Pozzecco, known for his ability to ignite his players, reshuffled his deck at halftime, and it paid dividends. Niccolò Melli, the versatile and indispensable veteran, re-entered the fray, becoming the multi-faceted engine of the Italian machine. Though Georgia briefly threatened to pull away, led by Bitadze`s relentless assault, it was Melli`s clutch three-pointer that served as the catalyst for Italy`s first significant breakaway. This ignited a crucial 11-0 run, infusing the Azzurri with renewed confidence. Fontecchio joined the offensive “party,” and the momentum swelled further as Thompson delivered a perfectly executed alley-oop to Diouf, electrifying the bench and the crowd alike. Despite a late triple from Sanadze, Ricci swiftly answered, keeping Italy in a commanding position at 53-47 by the end of the third quarter.
The Unraveling of Georgia and Italy`s Final Flourish
The final quarter exposed Georgia`s Achilles` heel: a limited bench and mounting fatigue. This was starkly contrasted by Italy`s sustained vigor, particularly the “wind-child” enthusiasm of Niang, who continued to be a revelation. Another devastating 13-0 run by the Azzurri effectively sealed Georgia`s fate. The situation for Georgia worsened dramatically as their emotional leader, Tornike Shengelia, was ultimately expelled. Notably, the report mentioned Shengelia had taken to the court despite battling an arrhythmia – a detail that added a layer of heroic, if ill-fated, determination to his zero-point performance. With Shengelia off the court and Georgia`s resolve crumbling, Italy cruised to a comfortable 78-62 victory.
Looking Ahead: Identity and Momentum
This victory was more than just a notch in the win column; it was a powerful affirmation of Italy`s identity. Their defense, highlighted as the primary response to their opening loss, proved impenetrable at critical junctures. The balanced scoring, with Fontecchio, Niang, and Diouf all reaching double digits, showcased a team capable of distributing the offensive load. Melli’s leadership and tactical awareness were nothing short of gigantic. While their three-point shooting still leaves room for improvement, the Azzurri demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and an ability to execute pivotal runs under pressure.
Italy now prepares to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in their next fixture, with a newfound confidence and a clearer understanding of the competitive demands of EuroBasket 2025. This commanding win against Georgia was not just a rebound; it was a declarative statement: the Azzurri are here to compete.
Gilbert Pendleton