Olimpia Milano Officially Announces Luca Banchi’s Return: “A Special Moment”

It’s now official: Luca Banchi is the new head coach of Olimpia Milano. The red-and-white club has announced the return of the Tuscan coach to the first-team bench, eleven years after his first stint leading Armani. This is a major decision for the club’s future; following Peppe Poeta’s dismissal, the club has decided to turn to a highly experienced coach in an effort to turn the season around.

Banchi has signed a multi-year contract and will simultaneously retain his position as head coach of the Italian national team. This dual role was made possible by an agreement reached with the Italian Basketball Federation and the approval of Federation President Gianni Petrucci.

The agreement was finalized in the last few hours, with the contract signed on the morning of Sunday, November 8. A work schedule is already in place for the new coach: his first practice with the team is set for Monday, when his second stint in Milan will officially begin.

In the official statement, the club emphasized the significance of the coach’s return; he had previously led Milan from 2013 to 2015, winning the first league title of the Armani era: “I am honored to return to coach Olimpia Milano, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the ownership, who believed I was the right person to lead the team at this particular moment,” Banchi stated.

The coach also took a moment to acknowledge his predecessor: “My sincere thoughts go out to Peppe Poeta, who, in such a short time, has written indelible chapters in the history of a club of this caliber.” Finally, he reiterated his awareness of the responsibilities that lie ahead: “I’m throwing myself into this new chapter of my career with the enthusiasm and determination of someone who wants to prove worthy of such a prestigious position.”

The new era will begin immediately, but Banchi will not be on the bench for the game on Sunday, November 8, against Trento, scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Assistant coach Marco Ramondino will lead the team, having been called upon to manage the transition following Poeta’s dismissal. The new head coach’s debut is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, when Olimpia faces Zalgiris Kaunas in the EuroLeague. This will be followed by an away league game against Udine on November 15.