The murmurs of the off-season have officially given way to the roar of anticipation: the Italian Serie A Unipol basketball calendar for the 2025-26 season has been formally announced. Fans can mark their calendars for October 5th, the eagerly awaited tip-off date for what promises to be another gripping championship race. But for Italy’s basketball elite, the journey begins much earlier, and far more strenuously, than a mere domestic league launch would suggest.
The Perennial Battle for Supremacy
As per tradition, the opening day will see the reigning champions, Virtus Olidata Bologna, commence their title defense at home against Napoli. Their long-standing rivals, Olimpia Milano, will also enjoy a home court advantage, hosting Bertram Derthona Tortona. These opening fixtures set the stage for a season where every point, every quarter, and every game will undoubtedly matter.
The clash that truly defines Italian basketball, the ultimate derby between Bologna and Milano, is scheduled for December 14th in Milan, with the return leg set for March 15th in Bologna. For years, these two powerhouses have taken turns hoisting the Scudetto, creating a rivalry as intense as it is predictable. One could almost set their watch by their eventual collision course – a testament to their consistent excellence, or perhaps, a charming lack of competitive diversity at the very summit.
A Marathon, Not a Sprint: The Grueling European Schedule
The late October start for Serie A isn`t a mere scheduling quirk; it’s a direct consequence of Italy’s national team commitments. Prior to the domestic season, the Azzurri will be immersed in the European Championship, a high-stakes tournament kicking off on August 28th against Greece and culminating in the final on September 14th. This international duty, while essential, inevitably compresses the club season.
Adding another layer of complexity is the expanded EuroLeague. With 20 teams now vying for continental supremacy, the schedule is relentless. For clubs like Virtus and Milano, who participate in Europe`s premier club competition, the Serie A season is simply an extension of an already brutal fixture list. Their first double-round EuroLeague week is slated for September 30th and October 2nd – a mere appetizer before the full-course meal of domestic and international basketball. One might observe that the concept of an “off-season” for these athletes is purely theoretical, existing only in the whimsical musings of those who don`t face such a demanding itinerary.
The Supercoppa: A Pre-Season Showdown
Before the league proper begins, Italian basketball will offer a tantalizing glimpse of the season`s potential during the Supercoppa Italiana. Set to take place on September 27th at the Unipol Forum in Assago, this pre-season tournament will feature two heavyweight semifinals:
- Virtus Bologna vs. Olimpia Milano
- Brescia vs. Trento
The winners will then battle it out in the final on September 28th. It`s a precursor that provides an early opportunity for rivals to gauge each other`s form and, for fans, a much-needed fix of competitive basketball.
Opening Day Fixtures: October 5th
The first day of Serie A action on October 5th presents a full slate of intriguing matchups across the country, showcasing the breadth of talent within the league:
- Virtus Bologna vs. Napoli
- Olimpia Milano vs. Tortona
- Trento vs. Cantù
- Trieste vs. Trapani
- Treviso vs. Brescia
- Venezia vs. Cremona
- Sassari vs. Varese
- Reggio Emilia vs. Udine
As the Italian basketball season prepares to unfold, it promises a blend of established rivalries, emerging talents, and the sheer physical and mental endurance required to navigate a calendar packed with high-stakes contests. For the players, it will be a true test of grit; for the fans, an unmissable odyssey.
Murray Blackwood