Villanova and Notre Dame basketball event in Rome

Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame are scheduled to compete in a basketball doubleheader in Rome, Italy, on November 1. The event, titled the ‘Eternal City Tip-Off,’ is being held at the Palazzo dello Sport to celebrate the shared mission and heritage of the two Catholic universities. The matchup will feature both the men’s and women’s programs.

The event includes a planned Vatican component where Villanova alumnus Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to hold a private audience with the four teams and their fans on October 31, depending on his health. This meeting was planned prior to the Pope’s recent diagnosis of lung cancer and subsequent surgery. Villanova President Rev. Peter Donohue noted the university’s increased global footprint, citing a 10% increase in applications following the Pope’s 2025 election.

Approximately 6,000 Villanova fans and 1,000 Notre Dame fans are expected to travel to Italy for the games. Notre Dame enters the matchup under head coach Micah Shrewsberry following a 13-18 record last season. The team is in a period of rebuilding following the departure of key players Markus Burton and Jalen Haralson, and has implemented roster changes by adding transfers Braeden Smith, Bryce Dortch, and Logan Duncomb.