Italy W vs China W

Italy's women's national team produced a commanding 88–76 victory over China at the BTS Arena in Trento on Friday evening, earning a confidence-boosting result in their only home friendly before the FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin.

Coach Andrea Capobianco's side led from the first quarter and built a 14-point advantage by halftime, never allowing the world No. 4 Chinese team — silver medallists at the 2022 World Cup — to get closer than single digits in the second half. The 12-point final margin was Italy's largest of the night.

How It Unfolded

Italy opened aggressively, taking an 18–16 lead after the first quarter behind sharp shooting and active defence. The Azzurre exploded in the second period, outscoring China 33–21 to take a 51–37 lead into the break. The hosts maintained control through the third and fourth quarters, matching China basket-for-basket down the stretch to close out the 88–76 win.

The match was the third of five scheduled friendlies for Italy ahead of the World Cup, following a split two-game series against Belgium in Kortrijk (62–60 loss on 15 August, 64–63 win on 16 August).

The Turning Point

Italy's second-quarter surge was decisive. After a competitive opening period, the Azzurre's defensive intensity forced multiple China turnovers and translated into fast-break points. The 33-point quarter effectively put the game beyond reach before halftime, forcing China to chase the rest of the way.

Key Performers

While official individual statistics were not published at the time of writing, Italy's balanced scoring attack — a hallmark of Capobianco's system — was evident. The Azzurre shared the offensive load across multiple players, consistent with their approach in the Belgium friendlies where Matilde Villa (10 and 2 points), Costanza Verona (12 and 12), and Ilaria Panzera (11 and 7) led the scoring across the two games.

China, featuring several players who compete in top European leagues, were held below 80 points for only the second time in their recent preparation run.

By the Numbers — Interpreted

The scoreline alone — 88–76 — tells the story of a game Italy controlled from start to finish. The page data shows this was only the second meeting between these nations since 2023, evening the all-time series at 1–1 in the provider's database (FIP records the broader historical series at 9–9 from 18 meetings since 1973). Italy's 88-point tally was a significant step up from their 60 and 64 points against Belgium, suggesting the offensive rhythm is sharpening at the right time.

What It Means

This was Italy's only home friendly before departing for Berlin, where they will face Czechia (4 September), USA (6 September), and China again (7 September) in Group D of the FIBA Women's World Cup. The win provides a clear psychological edge ahead of that group-stage rematch.

Italy next travel to Paris for two friendlies against France on 27 and 28 August before flying to Berlin on 1 September. China will play a closed-door scrimmage against Italy on 22 August in Trento before also heading to the World Cup.

Verdict

A professional, controlled performance from Italy against a quality opponent. The Azzurre's ability to build a double-digit lead before halftime and sustain it through the second half bodes well for their World Cup campaign. China will have learned from the defeat ahead of the group-stage rematch in Berlin.