In a tightly contested group‑stage clash in Istanbul, France turned a 12‑point deficit into a decisive 88‑68 victory over Italy, avenging a loss suffered just a year earlier in the FIBA U16 EuroBasket.
The French side started slowly, trailing by 11 points in the opening quarter, but a series of tactical adjustments and relentless defense sparked a rally that evened the score at 36‑36 by halftime.
Nathan Soliman emerged as the offensive catalyst, delivering 23 points and steering the team through critical stretches, while Amadou Fall contributed 14 points and anchored the interior.
Coach Tony Parker, in his inaugural season as head coach, celebrated his first win in the role, highlighting the effectiveness of his game‑plan and the squad's growing cohesion.
The triumph reshapes the tournament picture, allowing France to finish second in Group A and position themselves to avoid a showdown with the United States until the championship game.
A pivotal third‑quarter surge saw France pull ahead to a 54‑43 lead, and an 18‑point burst in the final five minutes sealed the win, underscoring the team's resilience.
A Comeback for the Ages
Beyond the star performances, the win was also marked by the steady influence of veterans Mario Machetti and Simone Ventura, whose experience helped maintain focus during the comeback.
The victory not only restores confidence within the French camp but also sends a clear message to rivals: the team is poised to contend for the title as the tournament progresses.