A new basketball season always brings a fresh wave of anticipation, but in Italy, the unveiling of the Serie A Unipol calendar is more than just a list of dates; it`s a strategic roadmap for a grueling journey. The Lega Basket Serie A has officially released its schedule for the 2025-26 season, confirming October 5th as the inaugural tip-off, signaling the start of what promises to be an intensely competitive domestic campaign.
The Opening Shots: Champions and Challengers Ready
The defending champions, Virtus Olidata Bologna, will commence their title defense on home court, hosting Napoli in their season opener. Meanwhile, their perennial rivals and fellow EuroLeague heavyweights, EA7 Emporio Armani Milano, are set to welcome Bertram Derthona Tortona to their arena. These initial matchups set the tone, pitting established powerhouses against determined challengers right from the start. The calendar, notably asymmetric between the first and second halves of the season, adds a layer of strategic intrigue, ensuring teams face varied challenges throughout their campaigns.
The Rivalry Rekindled: Milano vs. Bologna
For many, the Italian basketball landscape is defined by the fierce rivalry between Bologna and Milano. These two titans, who have consistently vied for the Scudetto and represented Italy in the demanding EuroLeague, will clash for the first time on December 14th in Milan. The return fixture is scheduled for March 15th in Bologna. These dates are not merely games; they are pivotal moments that often dictate the league`s narrative and can profoundly impact championship aspirations, drawing significant attention from fans and pundits alike.
The European Conundrum: A Season Shaped by International Duties
This season`s calendar bears the distinct marks of international commitments. The delayed start to the Serie A, pushing back to October, is a direct consequence of the Italian National Team`s participation in EuroBasket. With the tournament`s final concluding just weeks before the domestic league commences, players and coaching staff face a tight turnaround. This national duty, while prestigious, inevitably compresses the league schedule, demanding more from every roster.
Adding to this complexity is the EuroLeague, which for the 2025-26 season expands to an ambitious 20-team format. This expansion translates directly into more games and, crucially, more double-round weeks for EuroLeague participants like Virtus and Milano. Before the Serie A even begins, these teams will already have experienced the relentless pace of European competition, with their first double-headers scheduled for September 30th and October 2nd. A rigorous start, indeed, just for the sheer joy of it.
The Pre-Season Appetizer: Supercoppa Italiana
Before the league action officially begins, Italian basketball fans will be treated to the Supercoppa Italiana. Set for September 27th and 28th at the Unipol Forum in Assago, this tournament serves as the traditional curtain-raiser. The semifinals feature a blockbuster showdown between Bologna and Milano, alongside Brescia facing Trento. The winner will be crowned on the 28th, providing an early glimpse into the form and aspirations of the league`s top contenders. For Virtus and EA7, this Supercup isn`t just a trophy opportunity; it`s an immediate immersion into high-stakes basketball, a precursor to their arduous dual-competition season.
First Day Fixtures: A League-Wide Kick-off
Beyond the top contenders, the opening weekend of Serie A promises a full slate of exciting matchups on October 5th:
- Virtus Bologna vs. Napoli
- Olimpia Milano vs. Bertram Derthona Tortona
- Trento vs. Cantù
- Trieste vs. Trapani
- Treviso vs. Brescia
- Venezia vs. Cremona
- Sassari vs. Varese
- Reggio Emilia vs. Udine
This comprehensive opening day underscores the depth and breadth of competition within the Italian league, with every team eager to start their season on a winning note.
The 2025-26 Italian Serie A season calendar is more than just dates on a page; it`s a testament to the demanding nature of modern professional basketball. With international commitments shaping the domestic landscape and an already packed EuroLeague schedule, teams, especially those at the pinnacle, will face an unparalleled test of resilience, squad depth, and strategic planning. Fans can anticipate a season rich in high-octane action, tactical battles, and certainly, moments of sheer exhaustion for the athletes. It’s set to be a season where endurance is as crucial as skill.
