The EuroLeague kicks off: Luca Banchi has clear ideas about Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna

Here we go. The 2026–27 EuroLeague is set to begin. Once again, there will be two representatives from Italian basketball: Armani Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna. They face the difficult task of proving that Italian basketball is anything but weak. The Red-and-Whites will take the court in Belgrade on Friday against Partizan. The Black V’s will also be on the road on Friday, facing Fenerbahçe.

As the season gets underway, other clubs are the clear favorites to go all the way. Insiders point to powerhouses like Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Real Madrid, Fenerbahçe, and Hapoel as the teams most likely to lift the trophy.

And what about the two Italian teams? Let’s just say that making it to the playoffs would already be an extraordinary achievement. Armani Olimpia Milano has been chasing a postseason berth for several seasons now, and this year, its goal is precisely to avoid seeing its EuroLeague run end at the conclusion of the regular season. The V Nere have undergone significant changes and have a new plan, but they could still pull off a surprise.

Luca Banchi, coach of the national team, spoke about the EuroLeague and the two Italian teams in contention at the presentation of the new LBA season: “Milan could be the dark horse that surprises everyone, while Bologna has many new players and a new coach. For many players, this will be an opportunity to grow,” he told the media present.