The national women's deaf basketball team climbs onto the roof of Europe. In the final of the European Championships, the Italian team defeated a solid and prepared Russia 63-61, after a hard-fought match, and climbed onto the highest step of the podium.

"It's a circle that closes - says Beatrice Terenzi - because at home we presented ourselves at the World Championships in Palermo in 2011, and at home ten years later, we crowned our path. Thanks to Federazione Sport Sordi Italia for believing in us, we think we have repaid them in these years and especially today that we put the gold medal around our necks".

The Russian players, at the beginning of the match, made use of their greater physicality, putting Italy in awe (10-3 at 5'). The first half was an uphill climb, with the Italian offense unable to break through, but the defense always held and the climb, though slow, was inexorable (17-13 at 14') with captain Cascio giving courage to her teammates.

Russia, however, made another break at the end of the 2nd quarter and went back to the locker room with 9 points that weighed on morale. Italy returns from the locker room determined not to give up in front of a wall that seemed very high, but step by step it finally manages to climb it thanks to the shots of Strazzari, the newfound vein of Sorrentino and Sautariello, but also the excellent move of coach Sara Braida that in front of the Russian giants chooses the path of the three small ones to speed up the game and try to run (31-25 at 22').

"We gave a vehement scolding in the locker room at halftime and reminded them that they were playing a final - reveals coach Braida - We were convinced that we had to take it back from a psychological point of view and not from a technical point of view because they already had all the information, fear was winning and once they were back on the court they showed their value".

Viola Strazzari's triple gives Italy a -2 that gives them confidence (36-34 at 26'), then the battle becomes tight, Russia doesn't give up but Giulia Sautariello's three-point play keeps Italy in touch and the third quarter ends with only one point to recover (45-44). The breakthrough, expected for 30', comes at the beginning of the last period with Sorrentino. Then Strazzari places the +4 bomb (45-49). It's a real hand to hand battle with Noemi Viana gigantic and generous, always present at offensive rebounds. Italy manages to take a few points of advantage (54-60 at 37') and defends it with its nails to the end, even though it misses a lot of free throws. At the sound of the siren, the party begins. It's a historic gold for Italy.