Fontecchio scores 39 points as Italy defeats Bosnia and Herzegovina

On September 1st, Italy defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 96-79 in the group stage of the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, securing their second group stage victory and improving their record to 2-1. Core player Simone Fontecchio scored 39 points, setting a new single-game scoring record for Italy at the EuroBasket, demonstrating true team leadership.

The game was closely contested in the first half, but Italy coach Gianmarco Pozzeco was ejected in the second half for two technical fouls. However, the Azzurri remained undeterred, leading as high as 79-64 early in the final quarter . Bosnia and Herzegovina fought back to within 82-77 , but Italy sealed the victory with an 11-0 run.

Fontecchio's performance was undeniable. He shot 7 -for -11 from three-point range, finishing with 39 points , 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, completely erasing the shadow of his opening-game performance of just 4 points. This performance broke the previous record set by Andrea Bargnani in 2011. Teammates Darius Thompson and Marco Spisu each contributed 14 points and a combined 9 assists, helping Italy maintain their offensive efficiency. The team shot 14- for -24 from three-point range, a 58% shooting percentage , while Bosnia and Herzegovina only shot 5-for-21 .

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jusuf Nurkic scored 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Edin Artic also had a comprehensive performance with 10 points, 5 rebounds , 8 assists and 4 steals, but it still couldn't prevent the team from suffering two consecutive losses.

Italy will next face Spain, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will face a bigger test, facing unbeaten Greece.