EuroBasket 2025: Italy’s huge comeback stuns Spain

With a huge comeback, Italy claimed a “golden” victory over Spain — their third in Group C of EuroBasket 2025 — which secured them a spot in the Round of 16.

Gianmarco Pozzecco’s team prevailed 67-63 against “La Roja” in Limassol during the 4th round of the tournament, leaving Spain (record 2-2) with everything to play for in the final group stage game against Greece (September 4, 21:30) to qualify for the knockouts, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

At the same time, thanks to Italy’s win, Greece now needs only a positive result against Sergio Scariolo’s team to finish first in Group C; otherwise, they risk dropping as low as fourth place if they lose in the 5th round and Bosnia defeats Georgia, creating a three-way tie (with Bosnia and Spain) at 3-2 — a scenario disastrous for Greece.

Spain’s strong start, when they led 13-0 midway through the first quarter, was quickly overturned by Italy’s dominance in rebounding, defensive intensity, and the offensive efforts of Diouf (14 pts, 8 reb.) and Niang (10 pts, 10 reb.). The “Azzurri” gradually chipped away at the deficit, taking the lead in the third quarter (49-47) after a 19-11 run.

In the closing stretch, Italy found its rhythm from long range and held on to the lead, while Spain suffered from poor shooting beyond the arc (10/38) and at the free-throw line (13/22), mistakes that cost them the comeback. Even after cutting the score to 64-63, Juancho Hernangómez missed a crucial basket with 14 seconds left, followed by Parra’s unsportsmanlike foul on Spissu, which sealed Spain’s fate.

Standouts for Italy included Giampaolo Ricci with 11 points, while Santi Aldama fought hard for Spain with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Quarter scores: 10-18, 30-36, 49-47, 67-63

Lineups:
Italy (Pozzecco): Gallinari 2, Melli, Fontecchio 8, Thompson 7 (1), Ricci 11 (2), Procida 3 (1), Niang 10, Spissu 7 (1), Diouf 14, Pajola 2.
Spain (Scariolo): Puerto 9 (2), De Larrea 15 (4), Pradilla 2, Saint-Supéry 7 (1), López-Arostegui, Aldama 19 (2), Brizuela 7 (1), Willy Hernangómez 1, Yusta 2, Juancho Hernangómez, Parra 1.