By Sohaib Shams
Villanova's men's and women's basketball teams will open the 2026-27 season in Rome on Sunday with a doubleheader against Notre Dame, the centerpiece of the Eternal City Tip-Off event that includes a private audience with Pope Leo XIV.
Coach Willard's Italian connection
Men's coach Kevin Willard, a frequent visitor to Italy, said the trip offers his players a rare cultural experience alongside the season opener. Willard highlighted the Vatican's Pope Carriage Pavilion as a personal favorite and emphasized the balance between sightseeing and preparation for the upcoming season.
Papal audience set for Saturday
Health permitting, Pope Leo XIV will host a private audience for all four teams and traveling fans on Saturday in the Paul VI audience hall, with about 7,000 people expected. Notre Dame point guard Braeden Smith called the opportunity "a great experience" to build team memories.
Television and scheduling
The men's game tips off at 9:30 a.m. ET on Fox, which is dropping one of its NFL pregame shows to accommodate the broadcast, while the women's game follows at noon on FS1. The event is part of a broader push by college basketball to launch the season with high-profile matchups, such as the recent Duke-Kansas exhibition.
Pope's health and faith angle
The papal audience was arranged before the 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung and was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this month. Willard, who is Catholic, described meeting the leader of the Catholic Church as a special experience regardless of faith.
Italian homecoming for Suigo
The men's game marks a home-soil debut for 7-foot-3 freshman center Luigi Suigo, a 19-year-old from Tradate, Varese, who is considered a potential NBA lottery pick. Suigo said the only thing he misses about Italy is the food.
Women's team leans on 'power of the pope'
Women's coach Denise Dillon said her squad, picked second in the Big East preseason poll, will "rely on the power of the pope" against 13th-ranked Notre Dame. Pope Leo XIV noted during a September flight that 90% of attendees are expected to support Villanova, calling it "the voice of the people of God."
Notre Dame embraces the moment
Irish swingman Ethan Roberts acknowledged the unique platform, saying only a few programs would receive such an invitation. "Starting there is incredible," he said.
