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last mo.

Italy Beats Czech Republic in World Cup Return

The win gives early proof that Italy’s recent progress under coach Andrea Capobianco can translate into real competitiveness at this tournament.

Europei Femminili: Velasco e Danesi presentano la semifinale con la Polonia
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Overview

  • Italy opened its World Cup campaign with a 66-53 victory over the Czech Republic, led by Cecilia Zandalasini’s 19 points and Matilde Villa’s 14 points.
  • The team will next face the United States and China in a group where the first-place side advances directly to the quarterfinals and second and third place play a knockout to reach the last eight.
  • Matilde Villa’s scoring in the opener marks a significant return after an ACL tear in May 2025 and Zandalasini brings WNBA experience back to the roster.
  • Andrea Capobianco’s continued leadership has followed a strong run of pre-tournament friendlies in which Italy went five wins and one loss against top opponents.
  • Italy qualified for this World Cup by beating Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Spain and Senegal in March and this is the national team’s first World Cup appearance since 1994 with a historical best finish of fourth place in 1975.