Italy Women edged by Australia in FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup thriller

A tightly contested FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup battle went down to the wire on 10 September 2026, with Australia Women escaping with an 82-80 victory over a stubborn Italy Women side. The two-point margin reflected a match that featured 14 lead changes and was decided only in the final seconds, keeping both teams firmly in the frame for a deep tournament run.

Italy entered the matchup with defensive intensity and a clear plan to disrupt Australia's interior game. The Azzurre forced early turnovers and moved the ball crisply on the perimeter, building a seven-point cushion in the second quarter. Australia, however, responded through their trademark transition game and veteran composure, slowly chipping away to take a narrow half-time lead.

Key moments that decided the contest

The final quarter was played at a ferocious pace. Italy regained the advantage with just under three minutes remaining, when Cecilia Zandalasini knocked down a step-back three-pointer to make it 76-74. But Australia answered immediately in the paint, with Ezi Magbegor converting an and-one opportunity to reclaim the lead and giving her side the momentum they would not surrender.

In the last possession, Italy had a chance to win it outright. After a well-executed screen action, a clean look from beyond the arc rimmed out, allowing Australia to secure the rebound and run out the clock. The miss was a cruel end for a team that had shot 44% from the field and 38% from three-point range against a much taller Australian lineup.

Tactical battle and standout performers

Australia’s victory was built on versatility. They dominated the boards (38-31) and scored 18 points off second-chance opportunities, while Italy relied on a high ball-screen offense that created open looks for their shooters. Australia’s switching defense held Italy’s guards to just 9-of-23 shooting in the second half combined.

• Australia Women: Balanced scoring with four players in double figures, led by Magbegor’s 19 points and 9 rebounds; Sami Whitcomb added 16 and dished out 7 assists.
• Italy Women: Olbis Futo Andre and Zandalasini combined for 35 points, with Zandalasini shooting 5-of-9 from deep and orchestrating the offense in transition.

What this result means in the standings

The result gives Australia a vital early boost in their group, improving their win-loss record and strengthening their position among the top qualifying seeds. Italy, while suffering a narrow defeat, showed they can compete with the tournament favorites and remain firmly alive in the race for the knockout rounds. With the margin being within one possession, the Azzurre will carry confidence into their next fixture while knowing that execution down the stretch remains the area to sharpen.

Fans inside the arena were treated to a classic women’s basketball world championship encounter — one that proved why Italy’s rebuilt roster deserves attention and why Australia’s mix of youth and experience makes them a genuine contender for the title.