The basketball world holds its breath as the official calendar for the EuroLeague 2025-2026 season has been unveiled. For fans of Italian basketball, particularly those devoted to Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna, the schedule reveals a challenging, yet thrilling, road ahead. It appears the EuroLeague calendar committee, perhaps with a penchant for high drama, has decided to test the mettle of Italy`s finest from the very first tip-off.
Olimpia Milano: A Grueling Road Trip to Start
Ettore Messina`s Olimpia Milano, a perennial contender, will certainly earn their frequent flyer miles early in the season. Their EuroLeague campaign kicks off with a formidable double-header in the fiercely passionate Serbian capital. On September 30, Milano will face Red Star Belgrade, a team known for its fervent home support and robust play. Just two days later, on October 2, they`ll remain in Belgrade to challenge arch-rivals Partizan, ensuring a truly baptismal experience in one of Europe`s most intimidating arenas.
This demanding start is merely a prelude, as four of their first five EuroLeague encounters are scheduled away from home. The much-anticipated home debut at the Mediolanum Forum will finally arrive on October 9, against AS Monaco. This match-up carries an intriguing subplot, as it marks the return of former Milano star Nikola Mirotic to Italian soil. Following this brief home reprieve, Olimpia will once again pack their bags for away games against Bayern Munich in Bavaria and Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania. One might wonder if the travel agent inadvertently booked a `world tour` package instead of a `EuroLeague season` for them.
Virtus Bologna: A Royal Welcome at Home
Meanwhile, in Bologna, Virtus, under the shrewd guidance of coach Dusko Ivanovic, will not be spared from an immediate test of strength. Their EuroLeague journey begins with a monumental clash at their home court, the Paladozza, on September 30. Their opponent? None other than the reigning titans of European basketball, Real Madrid. It`s a fixture designed to set the tone, either as a statement victory or a humbling early lesson.
Following this `royal` welcome, Virtus will embark on their own series of away challenges. Their first away fixture is set for October 3 in Valencia, a quick turnaround from their opening home game. The European tour continues on October 9 with a trip to Paris. Back at the Paladozza after their duel with Real Madrid, Virtus fans can look forward to enticing home games against AS Monaco, Panathinaikos, Anadolu Efes, and Maccabi Tel Aviv – a veritable who`s who of EuroLeague elite. And for those marking their calendars, the highly anticipated Italian `EuroDerby` against Olimpia Milano is scheduled for January 2, promising an intense start to the new year for Virtus, as they host their domestic rivals.
The Season`s Grand Design
The 2025-2026 EuroLeague season is structured for relentless competition, featuring a total of 38 match days spread across 10 double rounds. This format guarantees a packed schedule, pushing teams to their physical and strategic limits throughout the campaign. For both Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna, navigating this intricate calendar, especially with their challenging opening sequences, will be a true measure of their depth, resilience, and championship aspirations.
As the pre-season preparations intensify, the release of the EuroLeague calendar serves as a stark reminder of the monumental task ahead for every team. For Milano and Bologna, the path is clear, albeit steep. The stage is set for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in European basketball, where every game matters and every road trip is an adventure.
