Italy closed Group C with authority, defeating Cyprus 89-64 to secure their fourth consecutive victory at FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
Already guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16, the Italians maintained control for most of the game, finishing with a 4-1 record. Cyprus, making their EuroBasket debut, ended the tournament winless at 0-5.
Turning Point
Cyprus opened the scoring, but Italy immediately took over, rattling off 19 straight points to build a commanding 19-2 lead.
“We knew we had to impose our pace from the start,” said Italy’s coach Gianmarco Pozzecco. “Once we got that early lead, the team stayed focused and disciplined.”
TCL Player of the Game
Matteo Spagnolo delivered a standout performance, contributing 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.
“I just tried to do whatever the team needed,” Spagnolo said.
Mouhamet Diouf dominated inside with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Simone Fontecchio added 13 points. For Cyprus, Filippos Tigkas led with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Darral Willis scored 10.
Stats Don’t Lie
Italy dominated the stat sheet, committing only six turnovers and tallying 26 assists, while outrebounding Cyprus 48-30, including 17 offensive boards. The extra possessions fueled a 20-3 edge in second-chance points.
“We knew controlling the boards would be crucial, and the guys executed perfectly,” Pozzecco added.
Bottom Line
Italy heads to Riga on a high, riding a four-game winning streak after opening with a loss to Greece. Their final position in the group could still change depending on Spain versus Greece, which will also determine Italy’s Round of 16 opponent.
Cyprus, meanwhile, became the third host nation in EuroBasket history to lose every game, joining Romania 2017 and Sweden 2003.
“They fought hard, but experience showed tonight,” Pozzecco said. “We’ve built momentum we hope to carry into the knockout rounds.”
🇮🇹 Fourth straight win for the Azzurri! ✅#EuroBasket
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 4, 2025
