European Universities Games
Salerno 2026
July 18 - August 1

Bologna crowned basketball champions. The University of Bologna claims its second gold after women’s volleyball title. Valencia triumphs in the women’s tournament

The first week of competition has come to a close at the European Universities Games Salerno 2026. The event has now reached its halfway point with the highly anticipated basketball finals, one of the most prestigious and competitive tournaments of this Italian edition of the EUSA Games.

At the Pala Irno arena in Baronissi, in front of a vibrant and enthusiastic crowd, some of Europe’s basketball elite took to the court, with teams from Italy, Croatia, Spain and Germany competing for the titles.

In the eagerly awaited men’s final between the University of Bologna and the University of Zagreb, attended by the Rector of the University of Salerno, Virgilio D’Antonio, the Italian side emerged victorious, securing the university’s second gold medal after its triumph in women’s volleyball. In the women’s competition, the University of Valencia defeated the University of Freiburg to deservedly claim the top step of the podium.

WOMEN’S FINAL

The Pala Irno hosted a memorable final that crowned the University of Valencia European champions after an outstanding comeback, defeating the University of Freiburg 83–75.

The opening stages of the game belonged entirely to the German side. Freiburg dominated the first two quarters and went into halftime with a commanding ten-point lead (48–38). After the break, however, the match changed dramatically. Valencia steadily reduced the deficit during the third quarter (66–62) before producing a decisive 21–9 run in the final period. Outstanding defensive intensity and composure in the closing minutes extinguished any hopes of a Freiburg comeback.

It was a victory built on character, determination and resilience, earning the Spanish team the gold medal after an exciting and hard-fought contest.

MEN’S FINAL

The University of Bologna captured the gold medal in the men’s basketball tournament at the European Universities Games 2026 by defeating the University of Zagreb 91–87 in a thrilling final that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

The Croatian side controlled the opening half, winning the first quarter 23–21 before extending its advantage with a 20–14 second-quarter performance. After halftime, however, Bologna shifted momentum completely, overturning the game to take a narrow 63–61 lead heading into the final quarter.

In the closing period, the Italian team successfully protected its advantage with a 28–26 quarter, holding off Zagreb’s late comeback attempts and securing Italy’s second basketball gold medal of the Games.