Belgium will face Spain again in Euro final after another thriller against Italy

Belgium trembled but made it through. Like in the other semifinal where Spain edged France by one point (65-64), the Belgian Cats battled until the end to overcome a valiant Italian team (66-64). Two years after their triumph in Slovenia, the reigning European champions will face Spain again this Sunday evening at 7:30 PM in Athens.

Failed Italian comeback, Belgian experience prevailed

Everything had turned in Italy’s favor. Down by 14 points (57-43) at the start of the fourth quarter, Andrea Capobianco’s players put together an incredible 17-0 run to take the lead with three minutes remaining (60-57). An upset seemed imminent.

THIS COMEBACK 😱#EuroBasketWomen | #DareToDream pic.twitter.com/oZ7LGfMHNl

— FIBA Women’s EuroBasket (@EuroBasketWomen) June 27, 2025

But in the storm, the Belgian Cats relied on their mental toughness and their essential starting five. Kyara Linskens sparked the comeback with an and-one basket to tie the game (60-60), before Emma Meesseman put her team back in front (62-60).

Martina Fassina (11 points) gave Italy one last spark with 28 seconds left after a steal and basket. But following the Belgian timeout, Antonia Delaere hit a decisive three-pointer with 18 seconds left (65-62). Italy tried to come back, but Costanza Verona’s final 3-point attempt missed.

Meesseman, Vanloo, Allemand… starting five on a mission

As often, Belgium relied on their starting five’s production, who scored 57 of the team’s 66 points:

• Emma Meesseman: 15 points on 6/16, 12 rebounds, 3 assists in 36 minutes

• Julie Vanloo: 15 points on 6/17, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals in 33 minutes

• Julie Allemand: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists in 33 minutes

• Kyara Linskens: 8 points on 3/6, 8 rebounds, 3 assists in 24 minutes

• Antonia Delaere: 8 points on 3/8 in 29 minutes

Belgium’s rotation was very limited, with only three players coming off the bench and minimal offensive contribution (9 combined points). But what matters most is that the Belgian Cats will play a second consecutive EuroBasket final, with a chance to retain their continental title.

What a game.
What a finish.
What a crowd.#EuroBasketWomen | #DareToDream pic.twitter.com/VFv5vM2QUf

— FIBA Women’s EuroBasket (@EuroBasketWomen) June 27, 2025

Italy faces France for first medal since 1995

The disappointment is immense for Italy, who came so close to a monumental upset. But they still have a great opportunity ahead: a bronze medal match against France this Sunday at 4:30 PM. It’s been 30 years since the Nazionale last won a continental medal.