Villanova is in Rome preparing for Sunday’s regular-season opener against Notre Dame at the Eternal City Tip-Off. The matchup marks the former Big East rivals’ first meeting since 2016, and it carries added significance for freshman center Luigi Suigo, who will make his college debut in his home country.

By the Numbers
  • Sunday’s men’s game tips off at 3:30 p.m. in Rome (9:30 a.m. ET).
  • Suigo is a 7-foot-3 freshman from Italy.
  • Villanova faces Holy Cross three days after returning from Rome.
Yes, But

Coach Kevin Willard says Suigo is adapting well to American college basketball, but adjusting to its faster pace and greater physicality remains part of his development.

State of Play
  • Villanova is practicing in Rome ahead of its season opener.
  • Suigo expects family and friends to attend; his hometown is about a seven-hour drive from Rome.
  • The Wildcats will attend Mass and a scheduled audience with Pope Leo on Saturday, followed by a final practice.
What's Next

Villanova meets Notre Dame on Sunday, with the men’s game airing on Fox Sports. The women’s teams play later that day at 6 p.m. in Rome (noon ET) on FS1.

Bottom Line

Villanova’s Rome trip combines a high-profile season opener with a rare experience for its players—but the Wildcats are keeping their focus on basketball, with another game waiting soon after they return.