After decades shaping the strategic soul of Olimpia Milano from the sidelines, Mario Fioretti, at 52, steps into the head coach spotlight at Tortona. This is the story of a basketball lifer`s improbable rise, from learning at the feet of Bobby Knight to navigating the complexities of an Italian powerhouse, finally embracing his own leadership.
A Legacy Forged in Milan
For 22 years, Mario Fioretti was the quiet constant behind the glittering facade of Olimpia Milano, Italy`s most storied basketball club. From 2003, starting with the youth sector and eventually ascending to a vital assistant coaching role, Fioretti witnessed – and contributed to – an unparalleled era of transformation. His tenure spanned various ownerships, countless players, and a who`s who of coaching legends: Attilio Caja, Sergio Scariolo, Luca Banchi, and the formidable Ettore Messina, to name a few. Six Scudetti, four Italian Cups, and five Supercups bear the indelible mark of his dedication.
His origin story at Olimpia is, surprisingly, one of initial doubt. He recalls two interviews, one with Attilio Caja and another with GM Gino Natali, both of which he felt went “quite badly.” Yet, a few days later, the phone rang, confirming his improbable hiring. It was the beginning of an era, but not the beginning of his journey.
The Unexpected American Odyssey: Learning from `The General`
Long before Milano, in 1999, Fioretti found himself in an entirely different basketball universe: Indiana, at the court of the legendary Bobby Knight. What started as a speculative fax to a program known for its intensity blossomed into a season-long immersion. “I had this illness for college basketball,” Fioretti recounts, describing how he attended every home game and many away games, witnessing a “giant” of the sport up close. This wasn`t a mere internship; it was an education under a notoriously demanding maestro. Knight, impressed, even sent Fioretti to visit various NCAA and NBA teams, fostering his development over four consecutive summers at his improvement camps. This period, often overlooked, laid a profound foundation for his meticulous approach to the game.
Back in Italy, Fioretti witnessed Olimpia`s evolution from a team that once failed to make the playoffs to an undeniable force. He was there for the shift from the old Palalido to the Forum, the arrival of coach Messina, and the club`s relentless pursuit of European glory, famously coming “one basket away” from the EuroLeague final in 2021 against Barcelona – a defeat that remains his biggest professional regret.
The Armani Touch: More Than Just a Sponsor
Fioretti remembers the pivotal moment Giorgio Armani deepened his involvement with Olimpia. “It was an epochal leap,” he states, recalling the shift from merely being a sponsor to a profound presence. He recounts a powerful anecdote from 2004 during a photoshoot: “When he entered the room, with his secretary following him and people around him, you could feel a presence and charisma that I find hard to explain.” More tellingly, after a crushing Coppa Italia semifinal loss to Siena in 2012, Armani personally visited the locker room to offer his unwavering support, demonstrating a connection that transcended mere corporate sponsorship.
The “Olimpia spirit,” as Fioretti describes it, is about “commitment and dedication,” and the “quality of what you do, striving to give your best every day.” This ethos, he argues, is universal, applying to personal life as much as professional sport.
Embracing the Limelight: The Tortona Chapter
At 52, many might settle into a comfortable role. Not Fioretti. The call from Tortona represented an opportunity he couldn`t refuse. “It`s the right moment for me,” he explains, highlighting Tortona`s “first-class club” status, solid ownership, and the opportunity to collaborate with Gianmaria Vacirca, with whom he previously worked.
Perhaps the most compelling draw was Tortona`s new “Cittadella” facility, a state-of-the-art complex that Fioretti describes as “futuristic and functional for the Italian panorama.” For a man whose passion for basketball is so profound he`d play “even in a cellar,” the promise of such an environment was irresistible.
The transition, however, isn`t without its quirks. Fioretti now faces the unfamiliar territory of delegation, entrusting tasks he once meticulously performed himself to others. And then there`s the media exposure, which he admits makes him “wonder if it`s the right thing” – a humble, almost ironic confession from someone whose career has been so deeply intertwined with success, albeit from the background.
What will he bring from Olimpia to Tortona? “To let the facts speak and create a working group like the one I`m fortunate to have, where people care about doing things, and doing them well.” Beyond that, his personal contributions are simple: “Passion first and foremost. And honesty.”
The Wider Basketball Landscape
Fioretti`s influence extends beyond club basketball. He proudly served the Italian National Team from 2011 to 2017 and expresses full confidence in current coach Luca Banchi. His connection to national pride runs deep, born from “great pride but also great sacrifices.”
Reflecting on his past, he fondly recalls Dan Peterson, who, upon returning to coach Olimpia in 2011, famously dubbed Fioretti “our Spielberg” – a nod to his uncanny ability to distill complex game situations into concise video clips. Fioretti, with characteristic modesty, credits Peterson with giving him “a bit more relevance and exposure than I deserved.”
Looking ahead to the Italian league, Fioretti sees an elevated level of competition. While Milan and Bologna remain “superior in terms of roster,” he notes at least “six or seven teams behind them… with very high absolute value” such as Venezia and Trieste. The league is getting tighter, and Tortona is poised to make its mark.
Mario Fioretti`s journey is a compelling narrative of quiet dedication, a deep-seated passion for basketball, and the courage to step into a new, demanding role after decades of invaluable, yet often unsung, service. His story reminds us that true leadership can emerge at any stage, and sometimes, the best lessons are learned in the shadow of giants, preparing one for their own moment in the sun.
