Italian
With the ticket for the FIBA Women’s World Cup already secured, the Italian women’s basketball team finishes the pre-World Cup tournament by also defeating Senegal 85-35
SAN JUAN (PUERTO RICO) – The goal had already been achieved. That ticket to the FIBA Women’s World Cup that will take place in Berlin from September 4 to 13, 2027. A historic milestone that sees the Azzurre participating in a World Championship again after 32 years since the last time.
There could have been a drop in attention or stimuli. Instead, Italy is good at maintaining the right concentration and competitive edge, with a Senegal that, by winning, could still hope to secure a World Cup spot.
In fact, there is no competition, with the Azzurre already leading 26-7 in the first quarter and gradually increasing the advantage to 85-35. This marks the fourth victory in five matches played in this pre-World Cup tournament. A collective performance, with plenty of playing time for those who have played less, and all the protagonists who took the court getting on the scoresheet.
Notable was the performance of Sara Madera with 16 points (MVP of the match) and the usual Cecilia Zandalasini (13), also included in the best lineup of the Group alongside Kelsey Plum (USA), Megan Gustafson (Spain), Imani McGee-Stafford (Puerto Rico) and Caitlin Clark, who was also named MVP of the tournament.
Career high for Martina Kacerik (11), with Francesca Pasa (11), Laura Spreafico (11), and Mariella Santucci (10) also in double figures. Francesca Pan and Costanza Verona did not take the court due to minor injuries sustained in the matches against New Zealand and Spain.
The participants for the upcoming World Championship are defined as follows, with Italy flying to Berlin alongside United States, Spain, and Puerto Rico. In addition to the five teams that have already qualified by right, the other groups see France, Japan, Mali, Hungary, Czech Republic, Turkey, Korea, and China securing their spots.
The statements
These are the words of coach Capobianco: “I am happy with the team’s attitude because beyond the score, which was never in question, I was pleased to see the girls focused on the things we wanted to bring to the court. I must congratulate my players, who in a short time faced difficult situations, prepared only last summer. A coach who sees his team play like this can only be satisfied; once again we know that we can work well with this group. We return to Italy with many certainties; the other groups tell us that there have been some surprises and that nothing is taken for granted. We played functional, beautiful basketball, full of soul, the kind we asked for at the beginning but then we were able to translate into technical-tactical language. I am happy and pleased to know that there is so much enthusiasm around this team in Italy. These girls deserve it.”
Captain Spreafico‘s analysis: “We were already qualified, but our mentality is to play every match at 100%. The team’s behavior has been perfect, and as captain, I am very proud of this group and the qualification for the World Cup, which returns after 32 years. We don’t want to stop; we want to continue working to improve. We owe it to ourselves and to all the people in Italy who have followed us with enthusiasm and affection. Before we set off again, I want to say ‘Thank you, Puerto Rico.’ It has been a wonderful few days, not only from a basketball perspective.”
The scorecard
Senegal-Italy 35-85 (7-26, 13-18, 4-25, 11-16)
Senegal: N. Ndiaye 7 (2/5, 1/5), Thiaw* 5 (1/10, 1/1), Gueye (0/1), Ly ne, Faye* 6 3/8(), Fall (0/1), Kane* (0/1, 0/1), M. Diop 5 (1/3, 1/3), Y.Diop* 3 (0/3), Pouye (0/2), S. Ndiaye* 2 (1/3), Timera 7 (3/5, 0/4). Coach: Sarr
Italy: Keys* 2 (1/2, 0/1), Pasa 11 (3/4, 0/2), Verona ne, Zandalasini* 13 (4/5, 1/3), Pan ne, Cubaj* 5 (1/4, 1/1), Madera 16 (4/5, 2/4), Santucci* 10 (2/3, 2/3), Fassina 4 (2/3, 0/3), Andrè 2 (1/3), Spreafico* 11 (0/1, 1/3), Kacerik 11 (0/1, 3/4). Coach: Capobianco
Referees: Mihkel Männiste (Estonia), Cisil Güngör (Turkey), Jian Sun (China).
Two-point shots Sen 11/42, Ita 18/31. Three-point shots Sen 3/14, Ita 10/24. Free throws Sen 4/5, Ita 19/21. Rebounds Sen 30, Ita 39 (Keys 6). Assists Sen 7, Ita 21 (Cubaj, Santucci, Andrè 3). Turnovers Sen 23, Ita 12. Steals Sen 7, Ita 10. Fouls Sen 22, Ita 11.
