Milan, Nov. 1 (LaPresse) – By beating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7, the Golden State Valkyries claimed the 2026 WNBA title overnight. For Cecilia Zandalasini, forward for the Valkyries, Famila Schio and the Italian national team, it is the second WNBA title of her career, following her first in 2017 with the Minnesota Lynx. The Italian player scored just two points, shooting 1-for-5 from the field, but nevertheless enjoyed a positive series in which she played a leading role in the other games. Led by Gabby Williams’ 30 points, the Finals MVP, the Valkyries won the WNBA championship for the first time. “No one else can boast two titles in an American professional league. You have reached heights no Italian had ever achieved before, and you played a leading role in the team strategies behind this WNBA title with the Golden State Valkyries. Cecilia, my heartfelt congratulations”, said FIP president Giovanni Petrucci. “A title that rewards the many sacrifices you have made and recognizes not only your unquestionable abilities, but also the passion, determination, and desire to play and win that you have always shown, wherever you have played and at any age, starting with the national teams. Yours is a career that deserves to be told and held up as an example to the many young girls playing minibasketball and basketball. We look forward to welcoming you back so we can celebrate together. Well done!”, Petrucci concluded.
Basketball: Zandalasini’s Golden State Valkyries win WNBA title, defeat Atlanta in Game 7
Milan, Nov. 1 (LaPresse) – By beating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7, the Golden State Valkyries claimed the 2026 WNBA title overnight. For Cecilia Zandalasini, forward for the Valkyries, Famila Schio and the Italian national team, it is the second WNBA title of her career, following her first in 2017 with the Minnesota Lynx. The Italian player scored just two points, shooting 1-for-5 from the field, but nevertheless enjoyed a positive series in which she played a leading role in the other games. Led by Gabby Williams’ 30 points, the Finals MVP, the Valkyries won the WNBA championship for the first time. “No one else can boast two titles in an American professional league. You have reached heights no Italian had ever achieved before, and you played a leading role in the team strategies behind this WNBA title with the Golden State Valkyries. Cecilia, my heartfelt congratulations”, said FIP president Giovanni Petrucci. “A title that rewards the many sacrifices you have made and recognizes not only your unquestionable abilities, but also the passion, determination, and desire to play and win that you have always shown, wherever you have played and at any age, starting with the national teams. Yours is a career that deserves to be told and held up as an example to the many young girls playing minibasketball and basketball. We look forward to welcoming you back so we can celebrate together. Well done!”, Petrucci concluded.