Australia vs Italy Basketball – Olympic Men's Basketball Matchup

The highly anticipated Australia vs Italy Basketball clash takes place on July 28 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with both teams eyeing a second straight win in the group stage.

Australia: Mills Leads a Balanced Attack

Australia kicked off its Olympic campaign with a dominant 84-65 win over Nigeria. Patty Mills was sensational, dropping 25 points and 6 assists, proving once again why he's an elite scorer on the international stage. His Olympic and FIBA World Cup numbers consistently rank among the best.

In the Australia vs Italy Basketball matchup, Mills will remain the central focus. Australia’s strength lies in perimeter shooting and ball movement. They hit 45.8% from three-point range against Nigeria and have averaged 13 threes per game in their last four matches.

While the Boomers tallied 21 assists in their opening game, they also committed 21 turnovers — a red flag that Italy’s quick defense might exploit.

Italy: Sharp Shooting and Team Play

Italy impressed with a 92-82 win over Germany, showcasing excellent ball sharing and long-range accuracy. Five players scored in double digits, led by Simone Fontecchio with 20 points (5-of-5 from three).

In their opener, Italy shot a blistering 48.4% from three and 51.4% on two-pointers, displaying impressive offensive depth. Over their last four games, Italy is averaging 14 three-pointers per game at a solid 44.1% clip.

The Australia vs Italy Basketball showdown will test Italy’s outside shooting against Australia’s physical defense. While Italy has the edge in two-point efficiency, Australia has greater athleticism and star power.

Head-to-Head and Key Stats

• Australia has more high-level international experience and a deeper roster.

• Italy’s turnovers (only 9 in their opener) may give them an edge in ball control.

• Both teams average over 90 points in their last 4 games, indicating a likely high-scoring affair.

Key Matchup: Mills vs Fontecchio

Mills’ leadership and scoring will be crucial for the Boomers, but Fontecchio’s efficiency and perimeter shooting make him a dangerous opponent. The team that better controls the tempo and limits turnovers could walk away with the win.

Final Prediction

Both teams bring firepower, but Australia’s discipline, international experience, and Patty Mills’ scoring prowess make them slight favorites. Italy’s shooting could keep it close, but the Boomers look poised for a second victory.

Predicted Score: Australia 88 – 81 Italy