Italy threw a major scare into Russia before falling 60-55 in the opening game of the EuroBasket Women in Chieti.

Winners of this event four years ago, and silver medalists at the EuroBasket in Turkey in 2005 and at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Brazil, the Russians entered the game as prohibitive favourites.

But the Italians, behind superb defense and terrific home support, kept the game close

		Raffaella Masciadri made just one three-pointer but it tied the game only to see Russia pull away.

from start to finish.

They even tied the contest at 44-44 early in the fourth quarter on a three-pointer from Raffaella Masciadri.

A short jump shot by Russia’s Natalia Vodopyanova sparked an 11-0 run for Russia that Italy never recovered from, though.

The Italians gave the Russians’ fits with their tough, aggressive defense, led by veteran point guard Francesca Zara.

When the game was over, Russia had turned the ball over 23 times.

Zara was the catalyst, coming up with two of her team’s nine steals.

“We don’t like to play against that kind of defense,” admitted Ilona Korstin.

But the Azzurre could not capitalize because they couldn’t score.

In the end, they made just 13 of 53 (24.5%) of their shots inside the arc.

“We tried our best, especially with our defense,” said Italy coach Gianni Lambruschi.

“But 13 of 53 isn’t good enough. Our objective will be to play much better in the next two games.”

Even Russia coach Igor Grudin had to pay tribute to the Azzurre.

“We played against a very good defense,” he said.

“We committed a lot of turnovers. But the way the game of basketball is developing, every team is going to play very physical (in this tournament).”

Maria Stepanova led Russia with 10 points and nine rebounds although Vodopyanova was arguably their best player on the day.

She had eight rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot to go with her six points.

For Italy, Laura Macchi finished with 17 points to lead all scorers while Zara, who spent last season with Spartak Moscow Region, finished with 13.

Italy go into their EuroBasket Women opener against Russia looking to prove they fully deserve their place in the competition.

As hosts of the tournament, Gianni Lambruschi's team gained a place without having to go

		Coach Gianni Lambruschi believes his team can spring the upset.

through qualifying.

Drawn in Group C alongside them are Russia, Greece and France with the Azzurre outsiders - even with the fervent home support behind them.

"We have a very challenging group, " said Lambruschi. "But we can't wait for the tournament to begin. We are convinced that once we start the tournament, our adrenalin levels will give us a morale boost to grow our ambition."

Russia will be formidable opponents.

They won the EuroBasket Women four years ago and finished runners-up to the Czech Republic in Turkey in 2005.

Last year, Igor Grudin's side captured the silver medal at the FIBA World Championship after upsetting Team USA in the semi-finals.

They enter this tournament as favourites to win the gold medal.

Key match-up: Laura Macchi v Olga Arteshina. Italy’s Macchi has been one of the best Italian performers offensively this summer in their preparations while Arteshina is lethal from long range. To prevent the Azzurre from collapsing on Russia's twin towers Maria Stepanova and Irina Osipova, Arteshina will need to be one of the team's zone-busters.

X-factor: Francesca Zara was a team-mate of several Russian internationals at Spartak Moscow region last season and faced the others in the Superleague Women. That familiarity could be a big plus for Lambruschi's side as they look for an edge.

Key Stat: The Italians must shoot around 40% from three-point range and 50% inside the arc to have a realistic chance of upsetting one of the true basketball superpowers.

Speaking out: "We are ready for Russia, they are one of the favourites to win the title but they shouldn't underestimate us" - Lambruschi.