After two decades of quiet dedication and champion-building, a legendary figure in Italian basketball steps into the spotlight. Mario Fioretti, the loyal assistant who helped define an era for Olimpia Milano, embarks on a new journey as head coach of Bertram Derthona Tortona, proving that even at 52, the most profound aspirations can still find their moment.
From the Sidelines to the Helm: A Life Dedicated to Basketball
For 22 years, the name Mario Fioretti was synonymous with Olimpia Milano, Italy`s most storied basketball club. While the headlines often belonged to star players and charismatic head coaches, Fioretti was the steadfast pillar, the strategic mind working tirelessly behind the scenes. His tenure, beginning in 2003, saw him witness and contribute to a remarkable transformation, from a club on the brink to a dominant force, securing six league titles, four Italian Cups, five Supercups, and even a memorable run to the Euroleague Final Four in 2021.
Now, at 52, Fioretti has made the momentous decision to step out of the shadows and embrace a new challenge: leading Bertram Derthona Tortona as their head coach. This isn`t merely a job change; it`s the culmination of a career built on passion, diligence, and an unyielding commitment to the game.
The Unlikely Start and the Bobby Knight Odyssey
Fioretti`s journey into top-tier basketball began with a touch of charming self-doubt. Recalling his initial interviews for a role at Olimpia Milano, he mused, “I had an interview with Attilio Caja, and it seemed to go quite badly; Attilio wasn`t happy with some of my answers. Then another interview with GM Gino Natali, which also seemed not to go well, as he spoke about the difficulty of such a job for me. Yet, a couple of days later, I received the call: they had hired me. It felt unbelievable.”
Even more formative was a year-long pilgrimage in 1999 that took a young Fioretti, an economics graduate, across the Atlantic to the heart of American college basketball. He spent a season at Indiana University, an unofficial guest under the tutelage of the legendary and notoriously demanding Bobby Knight. This wasn`t a casual visit; Fioretti was immersed in the program, attending all home games, traveling for some away matches, and witnessing a Final Four firsthand. Knight, impressed by Fioretti`s dedication, later sent him to observe NCAA and NBA teams, and Fioretti spent four consecutive summers working at Knight`s improvement camps. This period, under the “General`s” fierce gaze, undeniably forged a significant part of Fioretti`s coaching philosophy.
From Humble Beginnings to Italian Dominance
Fioretti`s time at Olimpia Milano spanned eras, witnessing the club`s profound evolution. He joined when resources were scarce and success was fleeting. “We started with a much more restricted, leaner management,” he explained. “In my first year, we didn`t even make the playoffs, and there was an air of closure.” The Italian league of the early 2000s was a powerhouse, with three Italian teams in the Euroleague Top 8 in 2004. Olimpia, then, was fighting for relevance.
The turning point arrived with the monumental involvement of Giorgio Armani. From a sponsor, Armani`s influence, alongside Leo Dell`Orco, grew into a profound commitment. Fioretti fondly remembers Armani`s powerful presence: “The first time I saw him in person, when we did a photo shoot in 2004, I had a strong feeling. When he entered the room, with his secretary and people around him, you perceived a presence and charisma that I find hard to explain.” He also recalls Armani`s unwavering support, even after agonizing losses, like the 2012 Italian Cup semifinal defeat to Siena, when the fashion icon personally visited the locker room to offer his closeness.
The club`s trajectory shifted, culminating in the long-awaited first Scudetto in 2014. For Fioretti, this was more than just a win; it was a “liberation” after 11 years of relentless effort. He remembers the pivotal Game 6 victory in Siena, forcing a decisive Game 7, as the most cherished moment, symbolizing the arduous journey.
The Euroleague Dream and a Coach`s Philosophy
Despite numerous triumphs, one regret lingers: the 2021 Euroleague Final Four semi-final against Barcelona. “Honestly, that game against Barcelona in the 2021 Final Four,” he mused. “Just one basket not conceded or one basket made, and we would have gone to the final. Many other dreamed things came true, but winning the Euroleague did not: it remains a regret.”
Throughout his extensive career, Fioretti has distilled his coaching philosophy into core tenets: “First and foremost, commitment and dedication. And then the quality of what you do, trying to give your best every day. It`s how everyone`s life should work on a personal level too, wanting to make the most of your work.” His most rewarding professional experience outside of Milan? Working with the Italian National Team from 2011 to 2017. Personally, it`s the lasting connections with players he`s coached.
Perhaps his ethos was best captured by legendary coach Dan Peterson, who, upon his return to Olimpia in 2011, famously dubbed Fioretti “our Spielberg.” The nickname stemmed from Fioretti`s uncanny ability to distill complex team situations and dynamics into just a few insightful video clips. Peterson, ever the showman, understood Fioretti`s unique talent for narrative within the technical demands of basketball.
A New Horizon: Tortona and the Weight of Leadership
The decision to leave Olimpia, a club he envisioned spending his entire career with, was not taken lightly. “It wasn`t easy to leave Olimpia; there was a time when I thought the beautiful thing would be to spend my whole life within the same club,” he admitted. But the opportunity at Tortona was too compelling to ignore.
Tortona, an ambitious club with a solid ownership (Dr. Gavio, Marco Picchi) and a cutting-edge new facility – the “Cittadella” – presented the perfect confluence of professional ambition and structural support. The chance to collaborate again with Gianmaria Vacirca, with whom he previously worked, provided an additional layer of assurance.
Stepping into the head coach role has brought new sensations: “I find myself having to delegate things I used to do myself; there are things I used to do that someone else does now. I had another role until the other day, and now I find myself having other people in the role I had for years.” The increased media exposure, while flattering, also prompts a touch of characteristic humility: “on the one hand it`s pleasing, on the other it makes me question if it`s the right thing.”
What does Fioretti hope to bring from the “Olimpia soul” to Tortona? “To let the facts speak and create a working group like the one I am fortunate to have, where people are concerned with doing, and doing well, and conveying that to everyone close to the team. Arriving here, you immediately realize that the people within the club want the best for Derthona Basket and know very well that it requires a lot of commitment, dedication, and competence.” Personally, he aims to bring his enduring “passion first” and “honesty” to his new endeavor.
As the Italian Serie A season kicks off, Fioretti`s focus is firmly on the court. While he tips Milano and Bologna as the perennial favorites, with other strong contenders like Venezia and Trieste, he knows Tortona`s place will be carved out through hard work and determination. Mario Fioretti`s journey is a testament to the idea that true mastery often ripens behind the scenes, waiting for its opportune moment to command the stage.
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore