Marco Belinelli is no longer in his skin: “We are ready”

“This is something to be proud of.”

After putting the first trophy of the season in its trophy case – with the ‘additional’ satisfaction, in every sense of the word, of beating Italian champions Olimpia Milano – Virtus Bologna looks forward to one of the most important seasons in its recent history. Last season’s Eurocup triumph in fact allowed the ‘Vu Nere’ to finally enter the 2022/23 Euroleague roster, a major goal of the Bologna club.

Interviewed in the aftermath of the Supercup victory against Sassari, Virtus captain Marco Belinelli spoke about the excitement related to participating in the most prestigious continental comperition for clubs: “We are ready and we really want to come back to play in the Euroleague, since both the club and I haven’t played in this competition for a long time,” he began at the microphones of Eurohoops.net. “There is a great desire to do well: we are at the beginning of the season, and we will have to understand what kind of team we will be. We have to work every day, grow in mutual confidence and create a good group. It will be a high-level Euroleague, all the matches will be important, both home and away.”

“There are really very strong teams, especially Barcelona, Efes and Fenerbahce, but let’s not forget Olympiacos and beyond. We will have to have the right mentality and team spirit, both on offense and defense. Our fans are unique, they will make themselves heard. It will be nice at the beginning to play at Paladozza and then at Segafredo Arena: we need them and we will do our best. Having a club in the Euroleague after such a long time is something to be proud of, not only for the club but also for the whole city,” he concluded.