Virtus hosts Olimpia: Luca Banchi clings to fans

The words of Luca Banchi on the eve of Virtus Bologna-Olimpia Milano

Luca Banchi spoke at a press conference on the eve of the Italian derby with Olimpia Milano, valid for the eighth day of the Euroleague, scheduled for Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at the Virtus Segafredo Arena.

"This first Italian derby of the Euroleague opposes us to a team that perhaps experienced a start below expectations but capable in the last round of centering a wide victory against Valencia, one of the revelations of the beginning of the season – underlined the coach of the bianconeri -. We will respond to the absences of Polonara and Mickey with unconventional quintets despite facing a team, like Milan, accustomed to riding alignments with players such as Shields, Mirotic, Melli, Poythress capable of exploiting physical advantages over the opponents".

He then made an appeal to the fans: "The task will be to handle this cycle of very tough competitions with a strong sense of urgency, showing pride and combativeness so as to make up for absences with the effort of everyone, starting with our fans who I am sure will try to support us unceasingly to achieve the feat of obtaining another very valuable success, despite such an emergency condition".

Alessandro Pajola also spoke on the eve of the challenge against the red-and-whites: "Milan è always a dangerous team, regardless of losing or winning.It’ a well-equipped and very strong team. They did not start the way they wanted, but we know they will come here to play their game. We will have to try to take advantage of the heat and the cheers of our public to put as much energy on the field as possible".