The wait is officially over for Italian basketball enthusiasts. The highly anticipated calendar for the 2025-2026 Serie A Unipol season has been unveiled, setting the stage for what promises to be a grueling yet exhilarating journey through the pinnacle of Italian hoops. With key matchups, international commitments, and a relentless schedule, teams and fans alike are bracing for a season of intense competition.
The Season Kick-Off: A Grand Beginning
The action officially tips off on October 5th, marking the start of an asymmetrical fixture list – a characteristic that adds an intriguing layer to the league`s structure. Defending champions, Virtus Olidata Bologna, will commence their title defense at home, welcoming Napoli for their opening challenge. Meanwhile, their long-standing rivals and perennial contenders, Olimpia Milano, are set to host Bertram Derthona Tortona, signaling their immediate intent for silverware.
Perhaps the most eagerly awaited dates on the calendar are the clashes between the two Italian powerhouses, Virtus Bologna and Olimpia Milano – clubs that have, for years, shared the coveted Scudetto and represented Italy with distinction in the EuroLeague. Their first monumental encounter is scheduled for December 14th in Milan, with the return leg set for March 15th in Bologna. These matchups are always more than just games; they are strategic battles that often define the season`s narrative.
A Calendar of Challenges: International and European Club Conflicts
However, the path to the Serie A championship is paved with more than just domestic clashes. The late start to the league season isn`t an arbitrary decision; it`s a direct consequence of the demanding international schedule. Italy`s national team will be battling it out in the European Championship, with their campaign beginning on August 28th against formidable opposition like Giannis Antetokounmpo`s Greece, culminating in the final on September 14th.
Even before the league begins, the Italian Supercoppa offers a tantalizing appetizer for fans. On September 27th, the Unipol Forum in Assago will host the semifinals, pitting Bologna against Milano in an early, high-stakes showdown, while Brescia faces Trento. The winners will then vie for the Supercoppa title in the final on September 28th.
And for the EuroLeague contenders like Virtus and Milano, there’s barely a moment to breathe. The newly expanded, 20-team EuroLeague format imposes an even more rigorous schedule. These titans of Italian basketball will face their first double-headers as early as September 30th and October 2nd. Just two days of `rest` before diving headfirst into a full domestic season? Truly a schedule for the brave, demanding peak physical and mental fortitude from every athlete and coaching staff.
The Inaugural Fixtures: Who Plays Whom?
As fans mark their calendars, here’s a look at the opening day fixtures on October 5th, promising an immediate start to the action across the country:
- Virtus vs. Napoli
- Milano vs. Tortona
- Trento vs. Cantù
- Trieste vs. Trapani
- Treviso vs. Brescia
- Venezia vs. Cremona
- Sassari vs. Varese
- Reggio Emilia vs. Udine
Anticipation Builds
With the calendar now set, the stage is prepared for another enthralling season of Italian basketball. From fierce rivalries and the relentless pursuit of the Scudetto to the pressures of international and European club competitions, the 2025-2026 Serie A season is poised to be a true test of endurance and skill. It promises a spectacle for basketball aficionados worldwide, affirming Italy`s place as a vibrant and competitive force in European basketball.
Elton Marrow