Massimiliano Fedriga sees a way out for Trieste
Friuli Venezia Giulia Governor Massimiliano Fedriga wants to be made aware of the very delicate situation being experienced by Trieste Basketball. “We want to have a clear picture and understand what is going to happen. I think we can find a way out that manages to put together all the needs.” The reference is to the hypothetical transfer of Cotogna Sports Group to Rome, with President Paul Matiasic oriented to move the sports title to the capital. A concrete possibility that has generated disappointment and anger among the Giuliani supporters, who in recent weeks have been moving decisively (the petition created is going strong) and have found the support of many fans of Italian basketball teams.
The popular mobilization has also manifested itself in a tangible way in the streets of the city: in several neighborhoods of Trieste posters have appeared affixed by the Curva Nord with the slogan “All this cannot end,” which has quickly become the symbol of the concern that runs through the red and white environment. The online petition, meanwhile, has already collected thousands and thousands of signatures. “Pallacanestro Trieste has proven its value on the field, with important results even in the European arena and with one of the most numerous and participating publics in Italy,” the text reads. A sports club can be sold. But a sports culture cannot.” A message that recalls the deep historical roots of basketball in the city, with Ginnastica Triestina the Italian champion in the first championship in 1929-1930.
Solidarity with the Giuliani fans has extended far beyond regional borders. In Desio, with a banner, the Canturini supporters wanted to express their disagreement with the whole mechanism related to NBA Europe, the new competition that should kick off in the 2027-28 season, defining it with the same terms used by accountant Fantozzi about the movie about Corazzata Potemkin: “A crazy sh–t.”
The picture is further complicated by what is happening in Cremona. According to rumors reported by Superbasket, Economy and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has hinted that the Italian Basketball Federation could introduce a double waiver to facilitate the entry of two new entities in Rome: one would seem to have already been identified, linked to the Nelson cordate – former Dallas Mavericks general manager Don Nelson, with a group of investors among whom Luka Dončić is also mentioned – interested in the Vanoli Cremona sports title; it remains to be clarified, however, whether the second might concern Trieste itself.
