World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Cecilia Zandalasini carries Italy past Spain

Italy - Spain 68-56

Italy secured their 2026 World Cup qualification. They held off Spain to clinch the ticket to Berlin. Cecilia Zandalasini (188-F-1996) scored 22 points to pace the Azzurri. Francesca Pasa (175-PG-2000) had 14 points for the winners.
Italy eked out a 28-26 halftime lead. The Azzurri extended the lead in the third term. Italy piled up a 47-43 lead heading into the fourth frame. They followed with a strong 21-13 rally in the final stanza to race to the win.
Megan Gustafson (193-C-1996, college: Iowa) answered with 12 points, while Elena Buenavida (174-PG-2004) had 9 points in the loss.