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.