The 2026-27 college basketball season tips off in Italy on Sunday morning, with Villanova and Notre Dame meeting in Rome for the inaugural Eternal City Tip-Off.
The two former Big East rivals will play at the Palazzo dello Sport, marking the first time in history that a men’s college basketball season is believed to begin outside the United States. The game is part of a men’s and women’s doubleheader celebrating the universities’ shared Catholic traditions, with the event inspired by the election of Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova graduate.
On the court, the Wildcats enter their second season under head coach Kevin Willard, who guided Villanova to a 24-9 record in his debut campaign. The Wildcats have undergone considerable roster turnover, however, losing several key contributors while adding six transfers, including Jake Fiegen from Cornell, Darryl Simmons II from St. Bonaventure and Devin Royal from Ohio State.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, is looking to turn things around under fourth-year head coach Micah Shrewsberry following a disappointing 13-18 season. The Fighting Irish lost their three leading scorers from last year in Markus Burton, Jalen Haralson and Cole Certa, leaving another group of incoming transfers tasked with rebuilding the offense.
Sunday’s game will be the first meeting between these programs since 2016. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET on FOX.
Villanova vs. Notre Dame Odds Today
Villanova is a 7.5-point favorite over Notre Dame in Sunday’s season opener at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook:
- Point Spread: Villanova -7.5 (-110) | Notre Dame +7.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Villanova -325 | Notre Dame +260
- Total: Over 148.5 (-110) | Under 148.5 (-110)
Referenced odds subject to change.
Villanova vs. Notre Dame Prediction
Under 148.5 Total Points (-110): I’m going with the under in Sunday’s season opener, with both teams facing some unusual circumstances before playing their first meaningful game of the year.
For starters, neither team has the luxury of opening their season at home. Villanova and Notre Dame have both traveled across the Atlantic to Italy, where they’ll be dealing with a six-hour time difference and a completely different routine than they’re accustomed to during the regular season.
That’s not ideal for the first game of the year, especially considering how much roster turnover both programs experienced during the offseason.
Villanova is replacing nine players who combined to average nearly 60 points per game last season. Notre Dame has an even bigger rebuild on its hands, losing nine players who combined to average nearly 70 points, including its top three scorers.
Both coaching staffs have brought in six transfers, meaning they’ll be relying heavily on players who have yet to compete together in an official game. Even with the benefit of preseason practices and exhibition games, developing chemistry takes time.
There’s certainly plenty of talent on both rosters, but I’m not expecting either offense to be firing on all cylinders in its first game, particularly after the international travel.
Between the unfamiliar lineups, the early-season adjustments and the unusual setting, I like the chances of this game staying below 149 combined points.
- Best Bet: Under 148.5 Total Points (-110)
Betting Splits at Hard Rock Bet
- Moneyline: Villanova and Notre Dame were just about split in terms of moneyline tickets, although the Wildcats account for 70% of the total money wagered.
- Spread: Villanova -7.5 has been the more popular pick against the spread, drawing 73% of all bets and 90% of the dollars.
- Total: Under 148.5 has attracted 66% of all tickets and 90% of the total money wagered.
Villanova vs. Notre Dame Game Info
- 🏟️ Location: Palazzo dello Sport – Rome, Italy
- 📅 Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
- ⏰ Start Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
- 📺 Where to Watch: FOX
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