In a tense, defensive showdown at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, the United States survived a major scare from Italy, escaping with a 55-52 victory on September 7, 2026. The five-time world champions were pushed to the limit by an Italian side that refused to back down, turning the group-stage clash into a low-scoring, high-intensity battle that came down to the final possessions.

Match overview: A slugfest in Berlin

From the opening tip, it was clear that this would not be a typical USA offensive showcase. Italy, known for their disciplined team basketball and physical perimeter defense, limited the Americans' transition looks and forced them into a half-court game. The result was a grind-it-out affair where every basket carried extra weight. The score sat in the 20s at halftime, and neither squad managed to reach 60 points in regulation—a testament to Italy's game plan and some uncharacteristic cold shooting from the U.S.

The Americans, led by their veteran core, found themselves trailing late in the third quarter. Italy's ability to control the tempo and run clock worked to perfection, and a raucous pro-Italian crowd inside the Berlin arena believed an upset was in the making. However, the U.S. squad has made a habit of finding answers in critical moments, and this game was no different.

Key moments: The final stretch decides it

• Italy's third-quarter surge: Italy opened up a 41-36 lead with six minutes left in the third period, forcing a U.S. timeout. A quick 6-0 run pushed the margin to double digits for the only time in the game.
• USA's defensive response: Head coach Cheryl Reeve switched to a full-court press that rattled Italy's ball handlers. The Americans forced three turnovers in a span of 90 seconds, turning defense into easy layups and tying the game at 48 heading into the final minutes.
• Clutch free throws: With 12 seconds on the clock and the USA leading 53-52, A'ja Wilson calmly sank two free throws to push the advantage to three. Italy's last-second three-point attempt was off the mark, sealing the result.

Tactical story: Italy's zone and USA's patience

Italy's zone defense, a 2-3 hybrid that shifted into man-to-man on the wings, disrupted the USA's ball movement and forced the Americans into contested mid-range jumpers. The U.S. shot below 35% from the field for most of the game, and their usual fast-break points were limited by Italy's disciplined offensive rebounding and backcourt pressure.

For Italy, the execution on offense was not as smooth as their defensive effort. They struggled to find open looks in the half-court, but veteran guard Cecilia Zandalasini kept them in the game with a series of pull-up jumpers and smart cuts to the basket. Italy's ability to slow the pace was their biggest weapon, and for about 30 minutes, it nearly delivered a stunning result.

The USA eventually adjusted by going small, putting more shooters on the floor to stretch Italy's defense. This opened driving lanes for the backcourt and created better spacing for Wilson in the post. The shift in tempo in the final quarter was decisive, as the Americans wore down Italy's legs and generated higher-quality looks.

Standout players

• A'ja Wilson (USA): The reigning WNBA MVP finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots. Her presence on both ends was the single most important factor in the win, particularly during the fourth-quarter rally.
• Breanna Stewart (USA): Stewart added 14 points and 7 rebounds, providing a reliable scoring outlet when the offense stalled. She also guarded Italy's best post player for stretches.
• Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy): The veteran forward led all scorers with 21 points, knocking down three three-pointers and showing why she remains Italy's most dangerous scoring threat at the international level.
• Giulia Ianezic (Italy): The young point guard orchestrated the offense with poise, contributing 9 points and 6 assists while committing just one turnover against the USA's aggressive defense.

Group-stage impact

With the win, the United States improved to 2-0 in group play, moving one step closer to securing a top seed for the knockout rounds. The close margin, however, will serve as a wake-up call for a team expected to defend its title. Head Coach Reeve admitted after the game that Italy's physicality and intelligence made them a tough opponent, and that the U.S. needed to sharpen its execution.

For Italy, the narrow loss was bittersweet. They showed they can compete with the world's best, but the defeat leaves them needing to win their remaining group games to guarantee advancement. Their defensive identity and ability to dictate tempo will make them