In a gripping defensive battle at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, Italy Women came within a single possession of one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history, falling just short against the reigning powerhouse USA Women, 55-52, on September 7, 2026. Despite the loss, Italy proved they belong on the same floor as the world's best, pushing the Americans to their limit in a game that had a playoff-like intensity from the opening tip.

The encounter was defined by physicality, smart rotations, and cold-shooting stretches, especially for the United States, which was held to its lowest point total in a World Cup game in over a decade. Italy's disciplined zone defense and relentless transition coverage frustrated the U.S. offense, but a late surge behind their veteran backcourt sealed the win for the Americans.

Italy's Defense Shocks the United States

Italy came out with a clear game plan: slow the tempo, pack the paint, and force USA to win from the perimeter. The strategy worked for long stretches. Italy collapsed on every drive, contested every three-point attempt, and communicated flawlessly on screens. The United States shot just under 34% from the field, their lowest efficiency in the competition, and were limited to 18 points in the first half.

Italy's ability to neutralize the U.S. transition game was crucial. Normally lethal in the open floor, the Americans were forced to set up in half-court sets time and again. Italy crashed the offensive glass selectively, choosing instead to maintain defensive balance. This disciplined approach kept a team that routinely scores 90-plus points well under control.

Key Moments Down the Stretch

With the shot clock winding down and the score tied at 48 with just under four minutes remaining, USA's veteran guard drilled a step-back three from the wing to give her side a three-point cushion. Italy answered immediately with a high-low post finish to cut the lead back to one, but that would be the last field goal Italy made in the contest.

In the final minutes, the United States’ superior athleticism and rebounding finally told. Italy forced a crucial turnover with 35 seconds left and had a chance to tie, but a contested floater rimmed out. A desperation three at the buzzer from Italy’s forward was off the mark, sparking sighs of relief from the USA bench and disbelief from the Italian players.

The Tactical Battle

Italy head coach Sandro Orlando set up a matchup zone that switched between 2-3 and 1-3-1 looks, challenging USA's ability to execute. The Americans struggled to find their rhythm against the changing defensive shell, settling for mid-range jumpers and contested looks inside. Italy's guards were aggressive in denying the entry pass, while their forwards showed quick help rotations to deter drives.

Offensively, Italy played through their intelligent screen game, using Spain pick-and-roll actions on both sides of the floor. They generated open looks but couldn't find consistency from three-point range, finishing below 30% from beyond the arc. Despite their shooting struggles, they managed to control the pace and made the game ugly—exactly what they wanted.

Standout Players

• USA guard Breanna Stewart-inspired performance: The U.S. star finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, delivering critical baskets in the fourth quarter when her team needed them most.
• Italy's Cecilia Zandalasini: The experienced forward led Italy with 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals, hitting two crucial threes that kept her team within striking distance late.
• USA point guard Chelsea Gray: Coming off the bench, she provided calm and creativity, finishing with 10 points and six assists, including the go-ahead play in the final minute.

What This Result Means for Both Teams

For the United States, the narrow escape serves as a powerful reminder that no team in this tournament can be taken lightly. They remain the overwhelming favorite to win another FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup title, but this performance exposes cracks that future opponents may try to exploit.

For Italy, the moral victory is bittersweet. This result confirms their status as one of the most improved teams in world basketball. Having pushed the tournament favorites to the brink, they will take confidence into the remainder of the group stage, knowing that their suffocating defense and disciplined offensive system can compete against any team on the planet.

The 55-52 final score will be remembered as one of the most competitive games between these two sides in recent memory. Italy may have lost the game, but they won the respect of the basketball world, proving that the USA Women are not untouchable—and that anything can happen when the World Cup stage arrives.