Greece launched their FIBA EuroBasket 2025 campaign with a 75–66 victory over Italy in Limassol, thanks to a commanding performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The NBA superstar was unstoppable before a crowd of 7,000 largely Greek fans at the Spyros Kyprianou Arena, recording 31 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.
Italian coach Gianmarco Pozzecco had joked before the tournament about needing “a sniper” to contain Antetokounmpo – but Greece’s talisman proved untouchable on the night.
Italy trailed by just four midway through the third quarter at 45–41. But Greece responded with an 11–3 run to stretch the lead to 56–44, with their defence stifling Italy’s scoring options.
Although Italy fought back late, cutting the gap to 71–66 in the final minute, Antetokounmpo’s emphatic dunk with 31 seconds remaining sealed the win.
Greece were clinical in attack, shooting 59 percent inside the arc and 39 percent from three-point range. In contrast, Italy struggled badly, managing just 36 percent overall and 26 percent from distance. Their NBA star Simone Fontecchio was held to a frustrating 4 points on 1-of-11 shooting.
Greece coach Vassilis Spanoulis said, “I think we had a good game defensively… we need to have a little more patience in our offence and more easy points on fast breaks.”
Italy’s coach Pozzecco acknowledged his side’s shortcomings: “We needed to play a little bit better offensively. We didn’t shoot well. But we were competitive tonight.”
The win marked Greece’s eighth in 17 all-time FIBA encounters with Italy, and only their third meeting since 2003. Greece will next face hosts Cyprus, while Italy prepare for a difficult clash with Georgia, who shocked Spain in their opening game.
Source: FIBA
