Bruno Cerella between solidarity and competitiveness: "Olimpia ahead of all"
Many guests were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Milan of Back in the Game, Sky’s new format in which Jury Chechi explored stories of confidence, inner strength and humanity linked to great Italian sportsmen but also showmen. Sportal.it exclusively interviewed Bruno Cerella, a former basketball player for the national team and several Italian clubs who also has the great merit of having created Slum Dunk, an association capable of improving the lives of children and young people who face conditions of social disadvantage, fragility or discrimination.
Bruno, how is your association doing? What are the new projects you are working on? You are always active.
We are trying to make the association more and more sustainable, especially by consolidating projects on the Italian territory. Right now we are focusing a lot on Milan, but not only. We have realized how important it is to be able to make a concrete contribution here as well, using sports as an educational tool and to promote positive values.
Talking about basketball instead… will it still be a challenge between Milan and Bologna? Or are we in for some surprises?”
It’s true, last year’s semifinal was definitely more “finals-like” than the real final, the one against Brescia. To be honest, I think Milan has superior talent and a longer roster. And in such an intense competition, with back-to-back games, these factors weigh. I really hope that Milan will have a great season, also to allow Ettore Messina to have fun and win again. And the same goes for Peppe Poeta, who is part of the staff: I wish everyone good luck.
How heavy is it, psychologically and symbolically, this first season without Armani?
A lot. We all know that much of what Milan basketball is today is due to him, Mr. Giorgio and the whole great Armani family. They have believed in the sport and invested to keep Olimpia at the highest level. I hope the team can repay this with a special thought to heaven for him.
As a former opponent, what are your thoughts on Cantù’s return to the Serie A?
Am I happy? Absolutely. Cantù is a square that should never be missed in Serie A. I hope the club will be able to find stability and balance, even financially, in order to maintain itself at high levels. Italian basketball needs such solid and passionate realities.
