The highly anticipated EuroBasket 2025 campaign began on a challenging note for Italy, as they succumbed to a formidable Greek squad, led by the undeniable talent of Giannis Antetokounmpo, with a final score of 75-66. This opening fixture in Limassol, Cyprus, immediately highlighted the immense impact a singular, generational player can have on a high-stakes continental tournament.
The Giannis Effect: A One-Man Offensive System
From the opening tip, Giannis Antetokounmpo, often referred to as “The Greek Freak,” demonstrated precisely why he is considered one of basketball`s global elite. His performance was nothing short of devastating, registering an impressive 31 points. Antetokounmpo was a constant whirlwind under the boards, relentlessly attacking the rim and dictating the tempo of the game. Italy`s defensive schemes, despite their best efforts, frequently appeared overwhelmed by his combination of size, speed, and sheer athletic prowess. When he wasn`t scoring, he commanded double-teams, creating space and opportunities for his teammates, even if his individual scoring was the primary narrative.
Italy`s Uphill Battle: Missed Shots and Missed Opportunities
While Antetokounmpo shone, Italy grappled with significant offensive inefficiencies. A notable concern was the subpar shooting performance, particularly from key players. Simone Fontecchio, expected to be a primary scoring threat, endured an uncharacteristic off-night, converting only 1 of 11 field goal attempts for a mere 4 points. The team`s collective struggle from beyond the arc was also apparent, managing only 7 successful three-pointers from 27 attempts, a statistic that severely hampered their ability to keep pace with Greece`s more consistent offense. Early deficits in the first and third quarters provided Greece with crucial cushions, allowing them to manage the game effectively.
Despite these challenges, there were glimmers of resilience. Captain Nicolò Melli showcased his leadership and tenacity, contributing 15 points. Mouhamet Diouf Niang provided valuable energy and 11 points, while Gabriele Ricci added useful contributions. The Italian bench also provided scoring impetus, and the team managed to secure a respectable number of rebounds and assists. These individual efforts underscored Italy`s fighting spirit, even as the broader offensive rhythm remained elusive.
Tactical Engagements and the Race Against Time
Greece established an early advantage, capitalizing on Italy`s slow start and Antetokounmpo`s immediate impact. A quick 8 points from Giannis in the first quarter, combined with strong defensive intensity and precision shooting from players like Ioannis Papanikolaou, created an initial 19-12 lead that expanded to a 22-12 cushion by the end of the first period. Italy, however, refused to fold. Despite losing possession frequently and struggling with perimeter shooting, their perseverance, coupled with strategic offensive rebounds and timely contributions from Danilo Gallinari and Niang, allowed them to narrow the gap to 32-36 by halftime.
The third quarter mirrored the first, with Italy again struggling to find their offensive footing. Even when Antetokounmpo rested momentarily, the Greek advantage in the paint persisted, with Kostas Antetokounmpo and his brother Thanasis securing crucial offensive rebounds, pushing the lead back to +9. Italy`s late rally, sparked by a rare three-pointer from Fontecchio and a push from Matteo Spagnolo that cut the deficit to five points (71-66) with just 49 seconds remaining, ultimately proved to be too little, too late. The clock, as it often does in such tightly contested matches, became Greece`s staunchest ally.
Forward Momentum: The Imperative Against Georgia
This opening defeat places Italy in an immediate high-pressure scenario. Their next fixture against Georgia, a team that surprisingly triumphed over Spain in their opener, is now more than just a regular group-stage game; it`s a critical test of their tournament aspirations. Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco`s squad must swiftly address their shooting woes, particularly from deep, and find a more consistent offensive rhythm to support their undeniable courage and effort. The road ahead in EuroBasket is notoriously unforgiving, and Italy now faces the demanding task of demonstrating quick adaptation and a strong collective response to keep their continental dream alive. The luxury of a slow start has, quite literally, been played away.