The opening night of EuroBasket 2025 delivered a familiar narrative: an NBA superstar dictating terms, leaving opponents scrambling for answers. In the Group C opener held in Limassol, Cyprus, it was Greece`s formidable Giannis Antetokounmpo who, with a commanding 31-point display, steered his national team to a decisive 75-66 victory over a struggling Italian squad. For Italy, under the guidance of coach Gianmarco Pozzecco, this debut was less a dream and more a stark awakening to the continental challenge ahead.
Antetokounmpo: A Force of Nature Untamed
From the moment the tip-off left the referee`s hand, Antetokounmpo, aptly nicknamed “The Greek Freak,” was an undeniable force. His presence was a whirlwind under the baskets, a seemingly unanswerable question for the Italian defense. He didn`t just score; he tormented. Every drive, every rebound, every emphatic finish served as a reminder of his unparalleled athleticism and skill. Early on, his individual brilliance alone carved out an initial lead for Greece, setting a tone that Italy found virtually impossible to disrupt. He moved with the intensity of a volcanic eruption, leaving a trail of defensive despair in his wake.
Italy`s Offensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities
While Giannis`s heroics certainly overshadowed Italy`s efforts, the Azzurri`s struggles were multifaceted. A critical factor in their undoing was a profound offensive slump, most notably from their usually reliable scorer, Simone Fontecchio. His 1-for-11 shooting night for a paltry 4 points was a stark indicator of the team`s collective misfire. Beyond individual woes, Italy`s three-point shooting conversion rate—a dismal 7-for-27—highlighted a broader inability to find rhythm from beyond the arc.
Coach Pozzecco`s men found themselves consistently playing catch-up, particularly after sluggish starts to the first and third quarters, which allowed Greece to establish and maintain control. Despite moments of spirited play and flashes of potential, the consistent offensive firepower required to match Greece simply wasn`t there.
Glimmers of Italian Resolve
Yet, amidst the struggle, glimmers of the renowned Italian fighting spirit shone through. Captain Nicolo Melli, with his indomitable presence, tallied 15 points, showcasing a tenacity that refused to yield. Niang, also contributing with 11 energetic points, provided crucial support from the bench. Even Ricci chipped in with useful plays. These efforts, alongside a commendable showing in offensive rebounds and bench scoring, demonstrated that the Azzurri possess pockets of talent and resilience. They bravely narrowed the deficit in the dying minutes, with Spagnolo cutting it to a tantalizing five points with 49 seconds left. However, against a team marshaled by a player of Antetokounmpo`s caliber, such late surges proved to be “too little, too late.”
The Road Ahead: A Crucial Clash with Georgia
The loss plunges Italy into a precarious position as they prepare for their next Group C EuroBasket encounter against Georgia. This upcoming match has taken on added significance, especially after Georgia`s surprising victory over basketball powerhouse Spain. For Italy, it`s no longer just about finding their stride; it`s about a mandatory “turnaround.” The questions raised by their debut performance—concerning shooting efficiency, defensive consistency, and the ability to handle superstar talent—must be addressed swiftly.
Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco now faces the unenviable task of rekindling his team`s confidence and sharpening their execution. The EuroBasket journey is long and arduous, but for Italy, the path has immediately become an uphill climb. The stage is set for a dramatic second act, where the Azzurri must prove they can overcome their initial stumbles and reclaim their competitive edge. The basketball world watches to see if they can indeed “turn the page” and write a different chapter against Georgia.
Gilbert Pendleton