Cantù Awaits Olimpia Milano; Frank Vitucci Doesn’t Mince Words

The matchup against Olimpia Milano means much more than just a basketball game for Cantù, which—after five league games—still has zero points in the standings and is looking to pull off an upset in one of Italian basketball’s classic rivalries. Coach Frank Vitucci underscored the importance of the match scheduled for Monday evening at 8:30 p.m. at the PalaDesio. On the eve of the highly anticipated showdown, he rallied his players and called on the blue-and-white fans to come out in force.

“This is one of the great classics of Italian basketball, and it’s an honor to play in it. I’m convinced that my players will also feel the significance of this challenge and that we’ll give it our all.” Vitucci knows full well that against Olimpia, a top-notch performance will be needed from start to finish: “We’ll need 100 percent effort for all forty minutes. We’re playing at home and will get an extra boost from our fans, who have been supporting us so much and are really suffering right now. We have to give it our all to repay them.”

The goal is to approach the game without any inferiority complex, but with the conviction that we can give one of the season’s favorites a run for their money. “We need to approach the game with a strong competitive spirit, without any fear of the opponent but with the firm determination to try to win. I expect growth in both technical skill and character so that everyone can demonstrate their worth.”

Finally, for Vitucci, matches against Milan have always held special significance: “Games against Olimpia have always been exceptionally fascinating and rich in meaning. I’ve always approached them with determination, pride, and the sense of challenge you need when facing teams of this caliber.”