PREVIEW: MATELICA HOSTS VALDARNO IN ITALY A1 SHOWDOWN

MATELICA, Italy (Interstat) — A pivotal matchup in the Italy A1 women’s professional basketball league is set for Saturday, April 25, 2026, as the Matelica hosts Valdarno at their home arena in Matelica, Italy.

Matelica enters the contest with a commanding 21-6 record across all competitions, while Valdarno trails at 18-9. Both teams are coming off narrow victories on April 18.

Matelica defeated Virtus Cagliari 55-43 at home on Saturday, fueled by a standout performance from forward Eleni Pilakouta. Pilakouta logged 35 minutes, scoring 17 points with eight rebounds and three assists. She has been a consistent force, posting a double-double threat in recent outings, including 10 points and seven rebounds in a 58-47 win at Virtus Cagliari on April 15.

Valdarno countered with a 67-60 home win over Ragusa on the same day. Guard Flavia De Cassan matched Pilakouta’s productivity, playing 35 minutes and recording 19 points with six rebounds. De Cassan has shown resilience, scoring 19 points in a loss at Ragusa on April 15 and adding five assists and five rebounds in that contest. Her scoring consistency will be critical for Valdarno on the road.

Valdarno’s recent form has been mixed, splitting its last four games with wins over Ragusa and Masnaga but losses to Ragusa and Giussano. Matelica, meanwhile, has won four of its last six, including a dominant 89-36 rout of Treviso on March 28.

Key supporting players include Valdarno forward Ilaria Bernardi, who notched 13 points and nine rebounds against Ragusa, and Matelica point guard Benedetta Gramaccioni, who contributed 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists in the win over Virtus Cagliari.

The teams will meet again Wednesday, April 29, in Valdarno. Tipoff is at a time to be announced.