The waiting game is officially over for Italian basketball enthusiasts. The Serie A Unipol has meticulously laid out its schedule for the 2025-2026 season, promising an array of thrilling matchups and a notably intense start for the nation`s premier clubs. From championship contenders clashing on opening day to a calendar that politely ignores the concept of `rest,` this season is set to be a true test of endurance and skill.
A Packed Premiere: October 5th Marks the Start
The basketball courts across Italy will hum with activity starting October 5th. Reigning champions, Virtus Olidata Bologna, are set to commence their title defense at home against Napoli. Their long-standing rivals, EA7 Emporio Armani Milano, will also enjoy a home debut, hosting Bertram Derthona Tortona. It`s a fitting curtain-raiser, immediately putting two of Italy`s EuroLeague titans into competitive action on their home turf.
The Clash of Titans: Virtus vs. Milano
The fixture everyone circles on their calendar is, without doubt, the showdown between Virtus Bologna and Olimpia Milano. These two powerhouses, who have monopolized the Scudetto in recent years and consistently represent Italy on the EuroLeague stage, are scheduled for their first league encounter on December 14th in Milan. The return leg, a potentially decisive battle as the season progresses, will take place on March 15th in Bologna. These matches aren`t just games; they are strategic chess battles, often previewing the eventual championship fight.
The Relentless Pace: A `Breathless` Start
Before the Serie A even tips off, Italy`s basketball calendar presents a challenging prelude, particularly for its top-tier talents. The national team will be deep into its European Championship campaign, starting August 28th with a high-profile opener against Giannis Antetokounmpo`s Greece. The EuroBasket final is slated for September 14th, leaving precious little time for rest or lengthy club preseason training.
Adding to this demanding prelude is the Supercoppa Italiana, the traditional curtain-raiser for the domestic season. The semi-finals on September 27th at the Unipol Forum in Assago will feature a mouth-watering clash between Bologna and Milano, alongside Brescia and Trento. The final follows swiftly on September 28th. A gentle warm-up, perhaps, if it weren`t for the fact that these are high-stakes, competitive fixtures.
And just when one might anticipate a moment of respite, the new, expanded 20-team EuroLeague steps into the fray. Eschewing tradition, Europe`s elite club competition begins earlier than usual, with a grueling double-header on September 30th and October 2nd. For EA7 Milano and Virtus Bologna, this means their domestic season essentially begins with an international sprint, turning the phrase “a breathless start” from a mere figure of speech into a stark reality. One might even wonder if `player welfare` is a term still in the official rulebook, or simply a charming relic of a bygone era.
Opening Day Fixtures: October 5th
Here`s a glimpse at the full roster of matches set to ignite the Serie A Unipol season on October 5th:
- Virtus Bologna vs. Napoli
- Olimpia Milano vs. Bertram Derthona Tortona
- Trento vs. Cantù
- Trieste vs. Trapani
- Treviso vs. Brescia
- Venezia vs. Cremona
- Sassari vs. Varese
- Reggio Emilia vs. Udine
The release of the Serie A calendar sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating, albeit incredibly challenging, season for Italian basketball. With national team duties, early EuroLeague commitments, and intense domestic rivalries, the 2025-2026 campaign will undoubtedly test the depth, resilience, and strategic prowess of every team, ensuring a captivating spectacle for fans worldwide.
Adrian Whitmore