The highly anticipated Euroleague 2025-26 calendar has officially dropped, mapping out 38 intense matchdays and ten thrilling double-rounds. While the release ignites excitement across European basketball, for Italy`s two premier clubs – Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna – the initial glance at their schedules reveals less of a warm welcome and more of a baptism by fire. The league`s architects, never ones to coddle, have indeed crafted an opening sequence that promises immediate and formidable challenges for both Italian contenders.
Olimpia Milano: A Serbian Odyssey to Begin
For Ettore Messina`s Olimpia Milano, the curtain rises on a particularly arduous note. Their Euroleague journey commences on September 30th, not on their home court, but in the hostile confines of Belgrade, facing off against Crvena Zvezda. As if one formidable Serbian opponent wasn`t enough, just two days later, on October 2nd, Milano remains in the Serbian capital to lock horns with Partizan.
This demanding double-header sets the tone for what appears to be a grueling initiation. A closer look reveals that Milano will navigate four of their first five Euroleague encounters on the road – a schedule that demands peak performance, resilience, and tactical precision right from the outset. Their long-awaited home debut will finally arrive on October 9th, when they host Monaco, featuring the familiar face of former player Nikola Mirotic. Following this, more away tests await against Bayern Munich in Bavaria and Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania. It`s a start designed to test the mettle of even the most seasoned Euroleague squads.
Virtus Bologna: A Grand Home Opening, Then the Road Beckons
Across the Italian basketball landscape, Virtus Bologna, under the guidance of coach Duško Ivanović, faces an equally daunting, albeit differently structured, beginning. Their Euroleague campaign kicks off with a colossal clash right on their home turf at Paladozza on September 30th – against none other than the reigning titans, Real Madrid. This is not merely a game; it`s an immediate barometer of Virtus`s ambitions and readiness to compete at the highest level.
However, the comfort of home is fleeting. Just three days later, on October 3rd, Virtus embarks on their first away trip to face Valencia. Their roadshow continues on October 9th with a visit to Paris. After the initial showdown with Real, Virtus fans at Paladozza will be treated to a series of high-profile home games against Monaco, Panathinaikos, Efes, and Maccabi – a lineup that reads like a who`s who of European basketball elite. The schedule-makers, perhaps with a touch of theatrical flair, have ensured that Virtus`s early home fixtures are anything but ordinary.
The Highly Anticipated EuroDerby
Amidst the international battles, Italian basketball fans have one date circled in bright red on their calendars: the highly anticipated EuroDerby between Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna. This season`s first clash between the two Italian giants is scheduled for January 2nd, with Virtus Bologna holding the home advantage. This matchup is more than just a regular season game; it`s a battle for national bragging rights on the continental stage, promising intensity, passion, and strategic fireworks.
The Euroleague 2025-26 season is poised to be an enthralling journey, and for Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna, it begins with an immediate trial by fire. These early, challenging fixtures are not just obstacles but opportunities. They will serve as crucial tests of team chemistry, strategic adaptability, and sheer willpower. How these Italian powerhouses navigate their demanding opening sequences will undoubtedly set the tone for their entire Euroleague aspirations, promising a season rich with drama and elite basketball action.
Elton Marrow 
Gideon Holt