Italy Women's Basketball Begins EuroBasket 2027 Qualification Campaign
The Italian national team faces Slovenia in Terni to start their European qualification journey.
1New Qualification Cycle Begins
The Italian women's national basketball team returns to the court tonight in Terni. This match against Slovenia marks the opening of their qualification window for the EuroBasket 2027 tournament. After a historic World Cup appearance, the team aims to build on recent momentum and secure a spot in the upcoming continental championship.
2Group K Competition Schedule
Italy is placed in Group K alongside Slovenia, Austria, and Latvia. Following tonight's home game, the team travels to Vienna to face Austria on November 14. The final match of this specific window takes place in Riga against Latvia on November 17. The top two teams in the group will advance.
3Roster Changes and Debuts
Coach Andrea Capobianco has selected a twelve-player roster for the Slovenia match. The squad features two major debuts for Emma Giacchetti and Anastasia Conte. Several key players from the previous World Cup campaign are unavailable due to physical injuries, college commitments, or recent surgeries, forcing a tactical shift for this new cycle.
4Notable Absences and Support
Key players including Cecilia Zandalasini and Matilde Villa are sidelined due to physical issues. Mariella Santucci is also out following surgery for a torn cruciate ligament. Despite her absence from the court, Zandalasini will attend the match in Terni to receive a federation award for reaching 100 caps for the national team.
5Coach Capobianco's Strategic Vision
Coach Capobianco emphasizes that the team is different from the one seen at the World Cup. He demands high intensity and tactical discipline from the younger players joining the squad. The focus remains on maintaining the high-level performance standards established over recent years while integrating new talent into the national team system.
6Long-term Olympic Ambitions
Captain Olbis Andrè has publicly stated that the team's ultimate goal is reaching the Olympic Games. While the immediate focus is the EuroBasket qualification, the players view this cycle as a crucial step toward achieving their long-term dream. The team remains committed to representing Italy with pride throughout this qualification process.
7Building on Recent Success
The team enters this qualification phase carrying the confidence of a bronze medal finish at the 2025 European championship and a ninth-place finish at the World Cup. These results have solidified the team's standing in international basketball, providing a strong foundation for the younger roster to continue the program's upward trajectory.
8Broadcasting and Fan Engagement
The match against Slovenia will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Uno at 20:00. Italian fans continue to show strong support for the national team, mirroring the enthusiasm seen during the World Cup in Berlin. This home support is considered vital for the team's performance as they navigate the challenging qualification group.