Ettore Messina at'last resort against Virtus Bologna

The last away game of the regular season is the Italian derby played in Bologna. Olimpia – after failing the last three games – is obliged to win to preserve its chance of entering the EuroLeague post-season through the play-in and relying on the results of the opponents ahead of it in the standings.

In particular, the match between Red Star Belgrade and Anadolu Efes scheduled minutes before the Bologna challenge is important. Last year 17 wins were enough to win the play-in, this year it is not certain that 18 will be enough. Olimpia for the moment is at 16: it faces Virtus in Bologna and then Baskonia in Milan, two teams already eliminated but rightly determined to end the season well. Last week, Virtus for example won decisively in Berlin. Olimpia compared to the Naples trip recovered Armoni Brooks but lost Leandro Bolmaro, blocked by a nasal fracture suffered in training.

“The numerous absences should not affect our attitude – said Ettore Messina -We will have to play a careful, physical game with the will to try to win, in Bologna and the next game, to give us a chance to feed our hopes of reaching the play-in. We have talked to each other and each of us will produce the best possible game against an excellent opponent.”