Cantù, De Raffaele identify keys to stop Reggio Emilia
After yet another defeat against Germani Brescia that cost Nicola Brienza the bench, Acqua S.Bernardo Cantù goes hunting for redemption against UNAHotels Reggio Emilia, in the match valid for the 17th day of Serie A Unipol. The two-way ball for the match at PalaBigi will be at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25. The match against the white-and-red team will mark the debut of coach Walter De Raffaele, who has taken over the technical leadership of the first team until the end of the 2026-27 sports season, on the biancoblù bench.
“The one in Reggio Emilia will be a difficult game – the new coach of the Brianzoli immediately stressed -In this league snatching victories on the road is never easy. I expect a game very focused on our team, because, as is normal when there is a change, the focus is mainly on our own stuff. Without wanting to disrespect Reggio Emilia, which is a team that is regaining a square, has inserted important players and has brought home very good wins in the last period”.
“It will be a physical game, in which rebounding presence will count a lot. Two elements that, combined with the control of lost balls, may significantly affect the outcome. Obviously together with the staff we have studied the opponents well, but in this week, having just arrived, I wanted to prioritize the different concepts that our players will have to learn” concluded De Raffaele, who boasts an important career embellished by winning two scudetti, an Italian Cup and a FIBA Europe Cup.
After a difficult start to the season, also due to the double commitment in the Europe Cup, Reggio Emilia has changed gear and is back from four consecutive successes between league and cup. It has been helped by the market, which has brought in three new players compared to the first leg.
The UNAHotels is a team accustomed to playing low-scoring games, so much so that it is the fourth best defense in the league, but also the worst offense. The Emilians are currently in 11th place in the standings with 10 points, four more than Cantù, last at 6.
