Italy – Basket Serie A, Round 27

Trento vs. Tortona (13/04/24, 19:00 CET)
An honorable defeat on Milan's court (91-86) sees Trento return home with renewed playoff ambitions. "A game of character despite the absences," approves Coach Galbiati, who, without Grazulis, shortens rotations and finds good energy from everyone. Same story on Tortona's side: the loss to Brescia (72-65) doesn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Piedmontese. "Too soft on rebounds at the end but with the right mentality," says Walter De Raffaele. At PalaTrento, the classic playoff showdown looms: the Eagles rely on home advantage, while Tortona banks on a streak of results resembling top-of-the-table form (7-3 record in the last 10, compared to the opponents' 4-6). Brace for a tough, potentially neck-and-neck game, with the final result ready to swing in any direction. Given their respective arrows in the quiver, a scenario favoring a medium-low scoreline is more intriguing.

Pesaro vs. Pistoia (13/04/24, 19:30 CET)
Fireworks week for Pistoia. On the court, a heart-stopping win against Reggiana (83-82), the fourth in the last 5 and the 14th of a remarkable debut season in Serie A. Off the court, the club's acquisition by Ron Rowan, a historic figure of Pistoia basketball and the first American former player ever to buy an Italian club. "We honored the ownership transition, playing with intensity and shining in the end," says Coach Brienza, radiantly. Now, the playoff dream runs through Pesaro, against a Vuelle still clinging to Serie A after the crucial victory over Sassari (91-96). "The attitude is right, so we'll fight till the end," declares Meo Sacchetti. An open match awaits, with the hosts relying on Cinciarini's total control while Pistoia boasts Ikumalo Ogbeide, a double-double regular now (20 points with 14 rebounds against Reggio). Pesaro struggles to win at slow tempos, Pistoia gladly accepts challenges with a basket-happy approach: prospects beyond 160 total points.

Treviso vs. Milan (14/04/24, 16:00 CET)
Former regrets haunt Treviso. They could have sealed their survival at Brindisi, but Coach Vitucci gifts his old team (93-75), keeping the relegation battle open. "The ugliest game in our recent months," admits the coach, with Treviso losing after 4 consecutive wins. It will be tough to turn things around on Sunday at PalaVerde, as Milan, stung by their EuroLeague elimination, channels all energy into the championship. The trend is worrying: 13 wins in the last 16. Among the big four, Melli and company are the team of the moment, mentally and physically. Moreover, they're leaving only crumbs for the small teams: the last defeat against a low-ranked opponent was against Sassari, over four months ago. Vitucci's boys need a perfect game in terms of 40-minute consistency and defensive solidity. However, it might not be enough: confidence leans towards an Olimpia victory.

Reggiana vs. Brindisi (14/04/24, 17:00 CET)
Heartbreak with the last free throw for Reggio Emilia, falling to Pistoia (83-82) and losing two in a row for the first time since November. "A stop that doesn't worry us, decided by events after an important performance," Coach Priftis reassures. The red and whites are still fifth, with a cushion of 2 wins over ninth place. But to secure the playoff, they must bounce back immediately at PalaBigi: underestimating Brindisi, fresh from their biggest win of the season (93-75 against Treviso), would be unwise. "Every game is a must-win for us, it's not easy to play in these conditions," says Coach Sakota. After the Italian Cup, the Pugliesi have changed their demeanor (4-2 record), thanks in part to the additions of Smith and Washington. It might be late, but they're a team now fighting: if Reggiana wins, it will be tougher than expected.

Virtus Bologna vs. Cremona (14/04/24, 17:15 CET)
Fatigued from European efforts, Bologna must not neglect the league. The remarkable show of strength against Reyer (70-89) doesn't teach much: what Vu Nere has lacked for a couple of months now is consistency, with the last two wins dating back to early February. Sunday brings a slippery opportunity to reverse the trend, facing Cremona at Segafredo Arena, a classic match with everything to lose for the favorite: already surprised in the first leg (93-83), Belinelli and company must keep a strong Lombard attack subdued. Coach Cavina is calmer after his team's victory against Scafati (68-63) but preaches caution, saying "we're still in the mine" (i.e., in the dirty relegation fight). In Bologna to surprise again, but if Virtus doesn't underestimate, a home win by more than 10 points is foreseeable.

Brescia vs. Venice (14/04/24, 18:00 CET)
The Lion roars, especially in regaining defensive strength in the hard-fought victory against Tortona (72-65). "Good ball movement, I saw boys who enjoyed working for each other," praises Coach Magro. Another big match awaits on Sunday against Venice: a chance to stamp a half seal on the top spot. Reyer is reeling from a horrible performance against Bologna (70-89), but consecutive failures are rare. "Unrecognizable team, we didn't show up, and now I expect a significant reaction in both phases," Coach Spahija urges his players. Injury-wise: Brescia tries to recover Cobbins, while Venice has reintegrated Parks into rotations, easing the oro-granata's breath in view of the playoffs. Prepare for a high-level technical match: in the first leg, Reyer showcased their athleticism (86-71), but the Lion will want payback at home. A dynamic, fiery match, expecting over 160 total points.

Napoli vs. Sassari (14/04/24, 18:30 CET)
It's the wounded South that meets at PalaBarbuto. After the joy of the Italian Cup, Napoli is in free fall (5 consecutive losses), including a thrashing at Varese (113-79). "Our basketball punished for being too selfish," laments Coach Milicic. Dinamo, which had lifted with Markovic on the bench, risks undoing it all with 2 avoidable losses in the last 3: especially the home loss to bottom-of-the-table Pesaro, 91-96 last week. "I didn't expect us to play defensively and tactically so poorly," analyzes the coach. Moral of the story, the two teams are now

tied for ninth place (12-14 record). They brace for a tough game: whoever loses risks saying goodbye to the playoff goal early. More offensive firepower in Napoli's attack, more organized Sassari, especially at this stage of the season. But the wound for both keeps every perspective open, in an unstable, potentially thrilling game, expecting over 160 total points.

Scafati vs. Varese (14/04/24, 19:00 CET)
6 losses in the last 7: it's the toughest time of Scafati's so far positive season. The 68-63 loss to Cremona almost blew up the place. Matteo Boniciolli was ready to resign to shake things up, admitting that "Logan's sudden departure has penalized the team, especially in managing end-of-game situations." After a heated week, however, the club decided to confirm the coach, "with the aim of preparing well for the challenge against Varese." A match not to be missed at PalaMangano, with the yellow-blues chasing their 9th home win of the season. The Lombards, on the other hand, have made a big turn in the relegation matter, handing Napoli a 34-point drubbing. "Total performance: if we maintain this intensity for 40 minutes, the results will show. And Mannion is now a mature leader," smiles Coach Bialaszewski. Beating Scafati would mean climbing up the standings. Prepare for a high-paced show, between two proficient offenses and two of the worst defenses in Serie A: whoever has more will win. In any case, the scenario also calls for 170 or more points, as already seen in the first leg (where Varese won 94-93).