Italy women’s basketball star tears into ref after missing game-tying shot vs US in Women’s World Cup
Italian women’s basketball star Cecilia Zandalasini was irate with FIBA officials at the end of their loss to the U.S. on Sunday in their Women’s World Cup game.
Zandalasini was looking to tie the game with a 3-pointer in the closing moments of Italy’s 55-52 loss to the U.S. She was creating space while being guarded by Jackie Young. As she was dribbling, she reacted as though Young swiped her in the face.
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Cecilia Zandalasini during the Women’s FIBA World Cup 2026 between the USA and Italy on Sept. 6, 2026, in Berlin, Germany. (NurPhoto via Getty Images)
No foul was called and Zandalasini was forced to put up a contested shot. She missed and the game was over. However, Zandalasini was not finished with the officials.
She was seen yelling at them and needed to be held back by some staff members.
Zandalasini apologized for her outburst later.
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Italy’s Cecilia Zandalasini rebounds during the Women’s Basketball World Cup match between the United States and Italy in Berlin on Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
“I would like to apologize for the way I reacted,” she said in the postgame press conference. “It wasn’t sportsmanship at all. Yeah, just wanted to apologize to the team and the referee. When I wear this jersey, it’s just a different me I guess. I feel embarrassed. I just wanted to say that out loud and to whoever watches.”
Zandalasini finished with 14 points and seven rebounds in 27 minutes.
Italy had the U.S. on the ropes the entire game before the Americans utilized their interior offense to draw fouls and grab free points at the foul line.
Paige Bueckers #4 of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team plays defense during the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament game against the Italy Women’s National Team on Sept. 6, 2026, at Berlin Arena in Berlin, Germany. (NBAE via Getty Images)
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Young led the way for the U.S. with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. Angel Reese added eight points and three rebounds.
