Milan Fires Poeta; Heartfelt Messages from Ricci and Diop

Olimpia Milano has fired Peppe Poeta following its ninth EuroLeague loss: the team will turn the page by entrusting the head coaching role to Luca Banchi. On social media, Giampaolo Ricci and Ousmane Diop took to social media to send a message to their now former coach.

“When you walk into a room where everyone is smiling, you can’t help but smile too. Thanks, friend,” reads Ricci’s message.

“Coach, I’m really sorry about what happened,” reads Diop’s post. “Thank you for everything you’ve taught me on and off the court. I have the utmost esteem and respect for you—first as a person and then as a coach. Your value goes beyond any result. I wish you the very best; you deserve it. A big hug.”

For Banchi, this marks a return: the Tuscan coach previously led Olimpia from 2013 to 2015, winning the club’s 26th championship in 2014—a title that brought the tricolor back to Milan after an 18-year wait. His contract with the Biancorossi is reportedly valid through 2028, and the news has also been confirmed by ANSA. Banchi is currently also the head coach of the Italian national team, and, according to reports, he is expected to retain both positions, thanks to an agreement with the Italian Basketball Federation that allows for a part-time role after the first full-time year.

The exact timing of his arrival in Milan has yet to be determined. The schedule presents some overlaps: on November 24, Olimpia will face Asvel on the road in the EuroLeague, while on November 26, Italy is scheduled to play Turkey at the PalaEur in Rome—a historic event marking the national team’s return to the capital. It is therefore possible that Banchi could join the team after the international break. In the meantime, Marco Ramondino will lead the team on an interim basis, starting with Sunday’s game against Trento.