The highly anticipated FIBA EuroBasket 2025 kicked off for Group C with a clash of titans, as Greece faced Italy in Limassol, Cyprus. While the scoreboard read 75-66 in favor of Greece, the true story was less about team balance and more about the singular, overwhelming force of nature known as Giannis Antetokounmpo. Italy, despite moments of spirited play, found themselves on the wrong side of an NBA superstar`s masterclass.
The `Greek Freak` Factor: A One-Man Cyclone
From the moment the ball was tipped, it became abundantly clear that Greece`s game plan revolved around their talismanic forward. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning MVP of the court, delivered a performance that transcended mere statistics. His **31 points** were a testament to his relentless assault on the basket, a whirlwind of powerful drives, emphatic dunks, and an uncanny ability to finish through contact. He wasn`t just scoring; he was a constant torment for Italy`s defense, rebounding ferociously and creating opportunities seemingly out of thin air. For Italy, containing Giannis proved to be an exercise in futility, akin to attempting to bottle a thunderstorm.
His sheer physical presence and boundless energy set the tone for Greece, allowing his teammates to play with greater freedom and confidence. Every possession where he was involved felt like a potential highlight, a stark reminder of the chasm between NBA elite talent and even the best European national teams when the former is fully unleashed.
Italy`s Uphill Battle: Searching for Rhythm
For Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco`s Azzurri, the EuroBasket debut was less a dream and more a rude awakening. While the team undeniably showed courage and grit, key offensive cylinders misfired dramatically. The most glaring issue was the cold shooting from Simone Fontecchio, who managed a mere **4 points on 1/11 shooting**. In a game where every possession counted, the absence of his usual scoring punch was a critical blow. Adding to Italy`s woes was a collective struggle from beyond the arc, converting a paltry **7 of 27 three-point attempts**.
Despite these struggles, individual efforts shone through. Captain **Nicolo Melli** was, as ever, the embodiment of Italian resolve, battling tirelessly for **15 points**. **Mouhamet Niang** provided an energetic spark off the bench with **11 points**, demonstrating athleticism and a willingness to attack. Ricci also contributed useful minutes. Yet, even these commendable performances couldn`t offset the seismic impact of Antetokounmpo or the team`s overall lack of offensive fluidity.
“We knew Greece had bite and heart. And an extra Giannis.”
Game Dynamics: Peaks and Valleys
The game`s narrative saw Greece establishing an early lead, primarily thanks to Giannis`s powerful start. The first quarter ended with Greece up by a commanding **22-12**, leaving Italy with a significant deficit to overcome. The Azzurri, however, refused to roll over. With renewed energy and contributions from players like Gallinari, they managed to close the gap before halftime, heading into the locker room down by just four points, **32-36**. This mini-resurgence offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that Italy could indeed manage the situation when Giannis was momentarily subdued or when their ball movement was fluid.
However, the third quarter saw Greece regain control, with Giannis, Kostas, and Thanasis Antetokounmpo asserting their dominance in the paint and on the boards. Italy`s shooting woes persisted, and despite a spectacular dunk from Niang, the deficit widened to **56-45** by the end of the third period. Greece pushed their lead to a maximum of +14 in the final quarter. A late, desperate surge by Italy, including a three-pointer from Fontecchio (finally!) and a drive from Spagnolo, brought them within five points (71-66) with 49 seconds left. But it was too little, too late. The clock, an unforgiving adversary, simply ran out.
What`s Next for the Azzurri?
This opening loss puts immediate pressure on Italy. Coach Pozzecco will undoubtedly be scrutinizing the team`s intensity and shooting percentages. The emotional mention of dedicating a win to Achille Polonara underscores the team`s collective desire, but good intentions alone won`t suffice. Their next opponent, **Georgia**, presents a formidable challenge, especially after Georgia`s surprising victory over Spain. This means Italy will need to find their rhythm and rectify their offensive struggles with urgency if they are to reignite their EuroBasket campaign.
For Greece, this dominant win, powered by their generational talent, sends a clear message to the rest of the tournament: they are a force to be reckoned with, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready to make his mark on the European stage once again.
Murray Blackwood