Giannis Antetokounmpo (31 points) defeats Italy in Greece’s opening game

Giannis Antetokounmpo shined with 31 points to give Greece an opening victory against Italy (75-66) at EuroBasket 2025, this Thursday in Limassol.

Italy’s Simone Fontecchio (4 points on 1/11 shooting) couldn’t find his rhythm against Greece’s defensive intensity. In front of a supportive crowd, the Greeks started their competition perfectly.

An unstoppable Giannis

The Spyros Kyprianou Arena, filled with 7,000 mostly Greek spectators, witnessed a masterclass from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time NBA MVP dominated with 31 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal, sealing the victory with a powerful dunk with 31 seconds remaining (71-66).

Italy had managed to stay close until mid-game (45-41 at the 25th minute). But an 11-3 run allowed Greece to pull away (56-44). The Italians, struggling with their shooting (36% field goals, 26% from 3-point range), came within 5 points late in the game, before the Milwaukee Bucks forward closed the door.

3️⃣1️⃣ points for an unstoppable Giannis tonight 💯#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/p3jTwyyKjZ

— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 28, 2025

Fontecchio contained

Italy’s NBA player Simone Fontecchio (Utah Jazz) had a nightmare game. Well-defended, he scored only 4 points in 34 minutes, with a terrible 1/11 shooting. Greece, more accurate (59% on 2-pointers, 39% from deep), managed to contain other Italian threats and start their European campaign in the best possible way.

What’s next

With this win, Greece records their eighth victory in 17 meetings against Italy in FIBA competitions. Coach Vassilis Spanoulis’s team will face the host country, Cyprus, in their second game. Italy will need to bounce back quickly against Georgia, who surprisingly defeated defending European champions Spain.