Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Antonino Morici interviews Olbis Andrè, Cecilia Zandalasini and Andrea Capobianco, players and coach of the women's national basketball team, bronze medallists at the 2025 European Championships, at the Trento Sports Festival. Last June, basketball's Italy wrote a page of history, overcoming France 69-54 in the final for third place played in Piraeus, Greece.
Leading this historic victory that had been missing for a good 30 years, since 1995, when Italy last stood on the podium with the silver medal, was Andrea Capobianco, who was awarded the tournament's best coach. The Italian coach was able to build a united and determined group, capable of redeeming themselves after the semifinal defeat against Belgium and conquering an extraordinary result, whose protagonist was, without a doubt, Cecilia Zandalasini. For the Azzurri captain, it was the second inclusion in the best European quintet with her 16.8 point average and 48% from three, confirming a talent now recognised at international level. Cecilia achieved two goals: a bronze medal around her neck and 1000 points in the national team, scoring 20 in the decisive match against the French.
At Eurobasket 2025, Italian women's basketball took the throne of Europe with a bronze medal worth gold. Since Italy has been coached by Andrea Capobianco and his staff, the team has been transformed. Alongside players considered generational talents, such as the 29-year-old Cecilia, others have matured who have gradually been able to take on more and more responsibility, such as Olbis André and her hard work under the basket.
Publication date: 10/10/2025
