Story perspectives

U.S. Women Beat Italy 55-52 After No Late Call

9/8/2026

Summary

USA Edges Italy

U.S. women’s basketball team beat Italy 55-52 at the FIBA World Cup in Germany.
The United States shot 28.6% overall and 1-for-12 (8%) from three-point range.
Jackie Young led with 10 points, the only U.S. player above 40% shooting.
The win, the narrowest margin since 1979, sets up a Monday game against Czechia.

Summary

Zandalasini Apologizes

Cecilia Zandalasini claimed Jackie Young fouled her in the final seconds, but officials made no call.
Staff members restrained Zandalasini as she shouted at the referees after the buzzer.
Italy coach Andrea Capobianco intervened, calming Zandalasini before she faced the media.
Zandalasini publicly apologized, saying her outburst lacked sportsmanship and embarrassed her.
Officials upheld the 55-52 result, confirming no foul and no change to the outcome.

History

Historical Context

When women's basketball debuted at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, the United States captured gold, establishing a global dominance model for future competition. Team USA, coached by Billie Moore, outscored the Soviet Union 83-67, a 16-point margin that underscored a 70-percent field-goal advantage. The 2024 U.S. women's squad, led by Jackie Young and facing Italy in Berlin, mirrored that pressure, shooting just 28.6% overall. Repeating the narrow 55-52 win signals that past supremacy no longer guarantees ease, prompting USA Basketball to reassess strategies before the Czechia matchup.

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USA Edges Italy

U.S. women’s basketball team beat Italy 55-52 at the FIBA World Cup in Germany.
The United States shot 28.6% overall and 1-for-12 (8%) from three-point range.
Jackie Young led with 10 points, the only U.S. player above 40% shooting.
The win, the narrowest margin since 1979, sets up a Monday game against Czechia.

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