Iceland stunned Italy with an 81-76 road win in a FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifier on November 28, 2025. The Icelandic team, known for their gritty style, outworked and outshot the favored Italians to claim a famous victory. Italy seemed in control early, using their defensive pressure to build a modest lead. Iceland's response was a barrage of three-pointers, slowly chipping away at the deficit before taking the lead in the third quarter. The fourth quarter was a tense affair, with Italy's veterans rallying to tie the game. Unfazed, Iceland's guards executed flawlessly in the final minutes, hitting a key jumper and then securing a critical offensive rebound that led to game-sealing free throws. The result was a major upset that shook up the qualifying group standings.