Greece tips off its EuroBasket 2025 journey on Thursday night with a high-stakes clash against Italy in Limassol, in what is seen as an early test of the team’s potential in the tournament.
The matchup pits Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kostas Sloukas against Italy’s star names, including Simone Fontecchio, Danilo Gallinari, Niccolò Melli, and Cameron Thompson. With Gianmarco Pozzecco at the helm, the Italian side brings both quality and size, making it a serious challenge for Greece.
For the Greek national team — affectionately known as the “official beloved” by fans since its rise to prominence in the 1980s — the stakes are high. Greece has not won a medal since 2009, and expectations remain tempered given the competition. Still, tonight’s game could set the tone for what is possible this year.
Following Italy, Greece will face three opponents considered less demanding: Cyprus, Georgia, and Bosnia. These games will provide further chances to build momentum and secure a path to the knockout stages.
Other games on Thursday
The EuroBasket schedule also features the debut of host nation Cyprus, which plays Bosnia in the afternoon. Earlier in the day, Spain takes on Georgia, with brothers Willy and Juancho Hernangómez leading the Spanish side against a Georgian team anchored by big men Tornike Shengelia, Goga Bitadze, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Giorgi Shermadini.
Meanwhile, in Katowice, Poland, fans will witness Luka Dončić’s first appearance of the tournament as Slovenia faces the hosts. Earlier games include Israel against Iceland and Belgium against powerhouse France.
Thursday’s fixtures
Group C – Limassol
- 15:00 Georgia vs Spain (Novasports Start & ΕΡΤ1)
- 18:15 Bosnia vs Cyprus (Novasports Start)
- 21:30 Greece vs Italy (Novasports Start & ΕΡΤ News)
Group D – Katowice
- 15:00 Israel vs Iceland
- 18:00 Belgium vs France
- 21:30 Slovenia vs Poland
