Villanova Basketball: Rome Debut Against Notre Dame

Villanova men’s and women’s basketball teams will play Notre Dame in Rome on Sunday.

The event, named the Eternal City Tip-Off, features a men’s game followed by a women’s game. It marks the first time either school has opened its season with an international matchup. Villanova is currently coached by Denise Dillon for the women’s team. Her opponents are a top 20 program led by an All-American player. Dillon said the team must battle and remain ready to continue emphasizing the importance of Villanova basketball.

The matchup carries personal weight for Villanova because of its connection to the current Pope. Robert Prevost, who graduated from Villanova in 1977, now serves as Pope Leo XIV. He will be meeting both teams at the Vatican before they take the court. Dillon noted that learning an American had become Pope, and then discovering he was a Villanovan, was difficult to believe. She described her level of excitement as off the charts and joked about the power of the Pope.

Dillon said that while religion is a large part of her life, the opportunity to be in the Pope’s presence feels overwhelming. She hopes not to black out from the experience. She views the trip as a reminder of the bigger picture, supported by family and friends. The teams will have a chance to share the moment with the head of the Catholic Church before competing.

The schedule places these games at the start of the season. Villanova players will have several months before they need to select their March Madness brackets. The games will provide early-season competition against a high-ranked rival in a historic setting.

The double header offers a unique opportunity for both programs to play on the international stage. Villanova hopes to draw on its connection to Pope Leo XIV as they face Notre Dame. The event is set to take place this Sunday in the Italian capital.