Italy closes the European Women's Championship with a historic victory: 69-54 against France in the third place match, and a bronze medal won 30 years after the last time.
Against the top team in the European ranking and Olympic vice-champion, the Azzurre offered a solid performance, especially from a defensive point of view, limiting the French team to 54 points, about 30 less than their average in the tournament.
For the national team, this is the second European bronze in history: the first dates back to 1974, when the European Championship was played entirely in Sardinia.
The match. Balanced start, with Italy ahead at the first siren thanks to Verona's last-gasp basket (23-22). In the second period, Capobianco's quintet physically holds up and takes control of the score, driven by baskets by Zandalasini and Pasa. At halftime, the lead is six points.
Upon returning to the field, the inertia does not change: Italy maintains the lead and contains every French attempt thanks to a compact and effective defense. In the final, Cubaj and Fassina sign the baskets of the decisive extension.
At the siren the party starts: hugs, applause and a few tears among the protagonists, at the end of a European Championship played at a high level and crowned with a result that could represent a turning point for the entire movement.
France-Italy 54-69
France : Brochant, Foppossi 2, Ayayi 8, Rupert 4, Salaun 9, Badiane 2, Toure 13, Pouye 2, Tabdi 2, Lacan 6, Bernies 6, Astier ne. Coach Toupane
Italy : Keys 5, Pasa 6, Verona 11, Zandalasini 20, Pan 3, Cubaj 10, Madera 5, Santucci, Fassina 5, Andre 4, Spreafico, Trimboli. Coach Capobianco
Partials : 22-23; 36-42; 45-53
