EuroBasket 2025: Spain Faces Group Stage Crisis After Narrow Loss to Italy

Spain is facing a challenging situation in EuroBasket 2025 after suffering a narrow 67-63 defeat to Italy on Tuesday. This loss puts the defending champions at risk of being eliminated from Group C, though they still retain a chance to advance to the knockout stage. Italy secured the victory in the final moments when Marco Spissu made two crucial free throws at 64-63 with 31 seconds left and added another pair with 14 seconds remaining. Giampaolo Ricci then converted one of two free throws with just eight seconds on the clock to seal Italy’s win, handing Spain a tense setback in their group campaign.

The defending champions, who won their fourth EuroBasket title in 2022 by defeating France 88-76, now have a 2-2 record in Group C, tied with Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Meanwhile, Greece and Italy have already claimed two of the four available spots for the round of 16. Spain can still secure advancement, but it hinges on their ability to beat Greece in their final group match on Thursday. At the same time, Georgia will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, which could further influence Spain’s path to the knockout stage.

Italy’s performance was driven by Mouhamet Diouf, who scored 14 points, while Giampaolo Ricci contributed 11 points. Saliou Niang recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, adding depth to the Italian squad. Niang, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round this year, proved his impact on the international stage once again. For Spain, Santi Aldama led the way with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Sergio de Larrea added 15 points. Despite their efforts, the loss highlights Spain’s precarious position in the group.

In other Group D action, Israel advanced to the EuroBasket knockout stage with a thrilling 92-89 victory over Belgium. Deni Avdija scored 22 points to guide his team, supported by Roman Sorkin of Maccabi Tel Aviv, who added 18 points. Israel once held a 21-point lead before Belgium mounted a comeback, but in the final moments, Yam Madar sank two critical free throws with four seconds remaining to clinch the win, temporarily placing Israel at the top of Group D. Belgium’s Loic Schwartz scored 14 points, including four three-pointers, but it was not enough to stop Israel. Meanwhile, Slovenia beat Iceland 87-79, led by Luka Dončić’s 26 points, ensuring France also advanced, while Poland secured a place in the next round.

Group C also saw Greece suffer its first defeat of the tournament, losing 80-77 to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Greece had already qualified for the last 16, and their star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was rested due to a minor knee issue. Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis confirmed that Antetokounmpo should be ready to play against Spain on Thursday. Bosnia and Herzegovina were led by Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic and John Roberson, who each scored 18 points, bringing their group record to 2-2.

Georgia remained in contention with a dominant 93-61 win over host nation Cyprus, who remain winless. Barcelona forward Tornike Shengelia scored 27 points, while Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds. These results keep the race for the knockout phase competitive, with the top four teams from each group moving forward to compete in Riga, Latvia, from September 6–14. Spain, despite the setback, still has the opportunity to recover and continue their quest for back-to-back EuroBasket glory.

The tournament’s knockout stage promises intense battles as teams like Spain, Italy, Greece, and Georgia fight for supremacy, showcasing top-level European basketball. The defending champions must now regroup and focus on their final group match to secure their place among the elite in the next round.