I didn't expect that - Matilde Villa's basketball

Dance shoes are not for Matilde Villa, nor for her sister Eleonora. It is the sound of the ball hitting the hardwood that calls them to the court. From her first dribbles to her Serie A debut, Matilde’s story is intertwined with that of Italian basketball.

As Matilde continues to rack up records, her journey into the world of basketball opens up new perspectives. Her encounter with the Italian national wheelchair basketball team reveals a sport defined by technique, speed, and sheer grit.

Matilde wins her first Serie A championship with Umana Reyer Venezia and discovers 3x3 basketball—a fast-paced, urban game that blends street culture, art, and social commitment. It is in this discipline that the Women's National Team writes a historic chapter in Italian basketball in 2018.

Matilde’s talent has reached across the ocean, earning her a selection in the WNBA draft—the premier American women's league. However, she remains focused on her journey with the national team. This is also a moment to look back in time: twenty years later, the key figures from the 2004 Italy vs. USA game return to recount that historic, unforgettable victory.