The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup delivered a nail-biting thriller as Australia Women edged Italy Women 82–80 in a high-intensity pool-stage clash on September 10, 2026. The result kept the Opals’ campaign firmly on track, but it was Italy who left the court with heads held high after pushing one of the tournament favorites to the final buzzer.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, the game lived up to its billing as a battle between two physical, disciplined sides. Italy, playing with the energy of a team eager to prove itself on the global stage, exchanged leads with Australia through a frantic first half. The Opals, relying on their trademark transition offense and defensive length, managed to grab a narrow cushion entering the fourth quarter, but the Azzurre refused to fade.

With scores level at 78–78 in the final minute, it was Australia’s veteran poise that made the difference. A clutch mid-range jumper followed by a pair of free throws put the Opals up by four, and although Italy answered with a quick basket, the clock ran out before they could force overtime.

Key Moments

• First-quarter statement: Italy opened with an 8–2 run, forcing Australia into an early timeout. The Azzurre’s ball movement and outside shooting threatened to unsettle the Opals.
• Second-quarter response: Australia’s defense tightened, and a 12–0 run capped by a fast-break layup flipped the momentum before halftime.
• Third-quarter swing: Italy regained the lead twice, but Australia’s bench provided crucial scoring to keep the margin within one possession.
• Final 30 seconds: After Italy tied the game at 78, Australia’s point guard calmly sank a contested jumper, then sealed the win from the free-throw line.

Tactical Story

Italy’s game plan centered on slowing Australia’s pace and forcing half-court possessions. They packed the paint early, daring the Opals to shoot from deep. That strategy worked for long stretches, particularly in the first and third quarters, but Australia’s ability to generate second-chance points off offensive rebounds proved decisive.

For the Opals, the key was their switchable defense and transition scoring. Once they began turning Italian misses into quick outlet passes, they created easy looks that kept Italy’s defense off balance. Australia also committed just 11 turnovers compared to Italy’s 16, a margin that ultimately told the story in a game decided by a single basket.

Standout Players

For Australia, the backcourt duo carried the load. Shanice Cooper finished with a game-high 24 points, including the go-ahead jumper in the final minute, while Grace Ellery added 18 points and 9 rebounds, providing a constant presence inside. The Opals’ bench also chipped in 22 crucial points.

Italy was led by a fearless performance from Alessia Romano, who poured in 21 points with four three-pointers, keeping her team within striking range throughout. Center Giulia Conti recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, winning the individual battle in the post despite the narrow loss.

Tournament and Standings Impact

The win strengthened Australia’s position atop their group and reinforced their status as genuine medal contenders. For Italy, the narrow defeat was a bitter pill, but their competitive showing against a top-ranked opponent bodes well for their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds, especially with the tournament’s tiebreaker scenarios still in play.

The result also added another chapter to an increasingly compelling head-to-head rivalry. With both teams likely to meet again in the later stages of the competition, this two-point thriller will be remembered as a classic group-stage encounter and a warning that Italy has every right to dream big in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.