Anita Franchini, a sophomore forward from Texas A&M, has earned a spot on Italy’s U20 women’s basketball team for the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket tournament in Lithuania.
The competition will run from July 4 to July 12, taking place in the Lithuanian towns of Alytus and Klapeda, where Italy is placed in Group C alongside Poland, Serbia and Iceland.
Tournament Venue and Schedule
Italy’s group stage schedule pits them against three competitive opponents, each known for a distinct style of play. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds, making every early game critical for seeding.
Franchini’s college career has been marked by rapid ascent. At Texas A&M she helped the Aggies secure a No. 1 seed in the 2026 Women’s Basketball Invitational, showcasing her ability to influence games on both ends of the floor.
In a recent matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks she recorded seven points, six steals and nine rebounds, underscoring her defensive impact and versatility.
Her international résumé includes stints with the Italian U18 squad, where she contributed to a 5‑2 record at the 2024 European Championships, and a productive run with the U16 team that finished eighth at the 2022 FIBA Women’s European Championships.
Club experience in Italy’s top league, the Serie A1, with Umana Reyer Venezia over the past two seasons has further refined her skills, providing a domestic platform that complements her national team duties.
Coaches and teammates alike praise her work ethic and basketball IQ. As the tournament approaches, Franchini is expected to bring a blend of collegiate vigor and seasoned European exposure to the Italian roster.
The upcoming EuroBasket offers Franchini a chance to cement her status as one of the most promising Italian prospects on the global stage, and fans in both the United States and Italy are watching closely.