USA Women NT edged Italy Women NT 55–52 in a Group D thriller that swung back and forth until the final possessions. Eight lead changes and seven ties kept the outcome uncertain throughout, but the decisive margin came down to the closing minutes. The Americans built their biggest cushion early in the second quarter, stretching to 23–8 with 8:39 remaining in the period. A 12-0 run had pushed them clear mid-quarter, but Italy clawed back. By half-time, the lead had shrunk to just six points at 30–24. The third quarter remained tight—Italy outscored USA 15–12—leaving the game at 42–39 heading into the fourth. A deadlocked final ten minutes saw neither team pull away, and when the buzzer sounded, USA had stolen a one-possession win. Cecilia Zandalasini led Italy with 14 points on 5 of 14 shooting, adding seven rebounds, while Mariella Santucci contributed nine points on clean 4-for-4 free-throw shooting. For USA, Jackie Young distributed the offense efficiently with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists on 4-for-6 shooting. Paige Bueckers chipped in seven points and five boards. Italy host People's Republic of China Women NT on Monday, 7 September. USA face Czechia Women NT the same day.