Cecilia Zandalasini apologizes for conduct during Italy loss to Team USA

6 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 2:23 PM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Cecilia Zandalasini apologizes for conduct during Italy loss to Team USA
Summary

Italy's Cecilia Zandalasini issued an apology after her on-court reaction to a no-call in the final seconds of a 55-52 loss to Team USA at the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Following a missed three-point attempt as time expired, Zandalasini protested to officials regarding contact from Jackie Young. The missed shot prevented Italy from securing a victory, marking the 32nd consecutive win for the United States in World Cup competition. Despite the loss, Italy held the U.S. to their lowest point total since 1971. Both teams struggled offensively, with the U.S. shooting 16-for-56 from the field and limiting opponents like Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart to minimal production. Zandalasini expressed embarrassment over her post-game conduct and stated her team intends to remain focused for the remainder of the tournament.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • •Team USA defeated Italy 55-52 in the FIBA Women's World Cup.
  • •Cecilia Zandalasini apologized for confronting officials after a final missed shot.
  • •The U.S. recorded its 32nd straight win in World Cup play.
  • •Italy held the U.S. to 55 points, the team's lowest scoring output since 1971.
Latest Updates
  • 2:23 PMThe Big Lead — Team USA survives incredible flop attempt by Italian player at FIBA Women’s World Cup - The Big Lead
  • 12:32 PMYahoo Sports — Team USA survives incredible flop attempt by Italian player at FIBA Women’s World Cup
  • 10:16 AMYahoo Sports — “This Flop is One For The Ages”: USA Fans Call Out Cecilia Zandalasini For Seemingly Selling a Call After New Angle Emerges on Final Play
  • 6:05 AMYahoo Sports — Italy’s Cecilia Zandalasini slammed by Team USA fans after blatant ‘flop’ in FIBA World Cup game
  • 1:16 AMYahoo Sports — Cecilia Zandalasini apologizes after Italy's last-second World Cup heartbreak vs. Team USA
What they're saying
"

On Sunday, Team USA earned its second victory in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup by defeating Italy 55-52. The win, though, was not without controversy as Italy’s Cecilia Zandalasini appeared to cover up her eye in the final possession and argued with the referees over the no-call.

"

Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini has attracted a lot of negative attention on social media after her flop during Italy vs. USA at the 2026 FIBA World Cup.

"

Cecilia Zandalasini flashed anger at no-call as Italy came within one shot of a historic upset of Team USA. She later apologized for her reaction

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days