Italy U17 vs Japan U17

Japan started the brighter, edging the first quarter 19-18 behind the scoring of Chusonjakku Shiratani, who finished as the game's top scorer with 27 points. The opening exchanges were tight — there were eight lead changes and two ties in the first half alone.

Italy's response came in the second quarter. Lapo Santini and Simone Ventura established control on the boards, and sharpshooting from beyond the arc — Italy hit 40.9% from three-point range — stretched the defence. A 25-16 period flipped the momentum decisively.

The third quarter was where Italy slammed the door shut. They outscored Japan 23-10, holding their opponents to just 10 points while extending the lead past 20 points. A 14-0 scoring run during the quarter was the game's defining sequence. Japan never recovered, and Italy cruised through the fourth to close out a 29-point victory.

Italy's third-quarter explosion. After a competitive first half, the Azzurrini's defensive intensity ratcheted up, holding Japan to 10 points — the lowest output in any quarter for either side. On the other end, Italy's ball movement created open looks, and they converted. The 23-10 margin in the third period turned a manageable eight-point half-time deficit into a rout.

Lapo Santini (Italy) — The Italian forward posted a 23 efficiency rating with 13 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal. His presence on both ends was the backbone of Italy's performance.

Mattia Ruggeri (Italy) — A game-high 17 points on efficient shooting, plus 8 rebounds. Ruggeri was Italy's primary scoring threat and kept the offence flowing during the tight first half.

Simone Ventura (Italy) — A double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds, matching Santini on the glass. Ventura's work on the boards limited Japan to minimal second-chance opportunities.

Chusonjakku Shiratani (Japan) — The standout performer for Japan, pouring in 27 points with 9 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists (23 EFF). Despite the losing effort, Shiratani was the most dangerous player on the floor for stretches.

The quarter-by-quarter story tells the tale: Italy tightened defensively as the game progressed. Japan's 19 first-quarter points dropped to 16, then 10, then back to 19. Italy's shooting efficiency (47% FG) was solid, but the real edge came from three-point range — 40.9% to Japan's 12.9%. Japan actually shot better inside the arc (62.2% to Italy's 50%) but the three-point disparity was decisive.

Italy's time leading (27:15 to 10:13) reflects the second-half dominance, while the 14-0 scoring run — the game's largest — underlines the period when the contest was won. The 8-2 advantage in steals (Shiratani 4, Italy 1 collectively) was one bright spot for Japan but couldn't offset the rebounding disparity.

Italy sit joint-top of Group A alongside USA after the Americans beat France in Saturday's earlier fixture. The Azzurrini face France on Sunday 28 June (12:15 local time), followed by a clash with USA on Tuesday 30 June. A top-two finish in the group secures quarter-final qualification.

Japan, now 0-1 in Group A, face USA on Sunday 28 June (11:45 local time) and France on Tuesday 30 June. With two of the tournament favourites still to play, their path to the knockout stages requires at least one significant upset.

Italy were the stronger, deeper and more disciplined side. The 29-point margin reflected a clear gap in quality, especially once the Azzurrini found their rhythm in the second half. Japan have the individual talent — Shiratani proved that — but will need a more complete team performance to compete with the group's heavyweights.