The highly anticipated Euroleague 2025-26 calendar has officially landed, and for Italy`s two prominent basketball clubs, Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna, the fixture list delivers an immediate, rigorous test. With 38 grueling matchdays featuring 10 demanding double-headers, the upcoming season promises to be an unrelenting marathon. The Euroleague, it seems, wastes no time in separating the contenders from the merely competitive.
Olimpia Milano: A Grand Tour of European Arenas
For Coach Ettore Messina`s Olimpia Milano, the term `home advantage` seems to be a distant concept in the initial weeks. Their campaign kicks off on September 30 with a challenging trip to Belgrade, facing off against Crvena Zvezda (Red Star). Not content with just one Serbian excursion, Milano will remain in the capital for a second consecutive away game on October 2, this time against local rivals Partizan. This sets a clear precedent: four of their first five Euroleague encounters will be on the road.
It appears the Euroleague organizers have decided to test the mettle of Italy`s most decorated club right out of the gate, perhaps believing a proper `welcome` involves a demanding tour of hostile European arenas. Olimpia`s home debut is scheduled for October 9, where they will host Monaco, featuring the familiar face of former player Nikola Mirotic. Following this, their journey continues with further away games against Bayern Munich in Bavaria and Zalgiris Kaunas, ensuring their frequent flyer miles rack up considerably before the season truly settles.
Virtus Bologna: A Royal Welcome at Paladozza
While Olimpia Milano charts a course through Eastern European strongholds, Virtus Bologna faces a different, yet equally formidable, opening challenge. Under the guidance of Coach Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus will begin their Euroleague journey on September 30 by welcoming none other than the formidable Real Madrid to their home court, the Paladozza. This fixture is a true baptism by fire, pitting them against one of the league`s perennial powerhouses from day one.
Following this blockbuster opener, Virtus will embark on their first away trip on October 3 to Valencia, before heading to Paris on October 9. After the initial clash with Real Madrid, the Paladozza faithful can look forward to a series of high-profile home games, including matchups against Monaco, Panathinaikos, Efes, and Maccabi. These early fixtures promise a demanding schedule that will quickly reveal the strength and depth of Virtus Bologna`s roster.
The Highly Anticipated EuroDerby
And as if the individual early schedules weren`t enough to whet the appetite of basketball aficionados, the calendar also delivers a much-anticipated early `EuroDerby.` The Italian clash between Virtus Bologna and Olimpia Milano is currently slated for January 2, with Virtus set to host their rivals on their home court. This fixture, always a highlight in the domestic league, now gains an added layer of continental prestige, promising a fierce contest between Italy`s two Euroleague representatives.
A Season of Immediate Impact
The release of the Euroleague 2025-26 calendar makes one thing abundantly clear: there are no easy games, and for the Italian contingents, the intensity begins immediately. Both Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna will be required to hit the ground running, navigate challenging environments, and test their resolve against top-tier European competition from the very first tip-off. The 2025-26 Euroleague season promises to be a test of endurance, strategy, and sheer will. For Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna, the message from the fixture list is clear: the path to glory begins not with a gentle stroll, but with a sprint through a formidable gauntlet. Fans, buckle up – it`s going to be an exhilarating ride.
Murray Blackwood