U16 WOMEN

Backed by their home support, Italy seized the bronze medal at the U16 European Championship for Women with an emphatic victory over Turkey.

Elisa Penna ignited a dominating performance that saw the tournament hosts stroll to a 82-48 win, scoring all 18 of her points in a decisive first half.

Renato Nani's side seized control with a 10-0 run in the opening quarter and another six straight points pushed them 46-22 ahead by half-time.

It was Italy's best defensive performance of the championships and the Turks simply could not break it down.

Antonia Peresson punched the air when she drained a long three-pointer to extend the gap to 30 and when she converted on the break with 3:05 to go in the third quarter, the home bench rose to its feet.

Erkan Metin called a time-out but Turkey were out of contention and despite a 7-2 start to the fourth, the celebrations in Cagliari had already long since begun.

Cecilia Zandalasini added 18 for the winners. Büsra Akbas led Turkey with 14.