EA7 Emporio Armani Olimpia Milano celebrates their Supercoppa triumph.
The Italian basketball season has barely begun, yet the first piece of silverware has already found its home. In a compelling display of prowess and tactical acumen, **EA7 Emporio Armani Olimpia Milano** secured the Supercoppa, overcoming a resilient Germani Brescia with a definitive 90-76 victory. This win not only marks a triumphant start to their campaign but also serves as a poignant tribute and a clear declaration of intent for the challenges ahead.
A Legacy Honored, A Record Matched
For Olimpia Milano, this Supercoppa wasn`t just another trophy; it was a deeply symbolic triumph. Coming less than a month after the passing of a significant figure in their history, Giorgio Armani, the team took to the court with an added layer of motivation. Under the seasoned guidance of coach Ettore Messina, who now boasts an astounding 36 career trophies, Milano delivered the kind of performance that would undoubtedly make any patron proud. This victory brings their Supercoppa tally to six, placing them alongside Siena as the most decorated club in the competition`s history – a feat achieved entirely within the last decade, underlining their recent dominance.
Brescia`s Resilience: A Glimpse of the Season Ahead
Germani Brescia, no strangers to the big stage, demonstrated why they reached the championship final against Bologna just months prior. Despite ultimately ceding to Milano`s Euroleague-caliber squad, their spirited performance was a testament to their continued growth and competitiveness. It suggests that even in a league often overshadowed by the giants, Brescia will be a formidable presence throughout the upcoming season, refusing to simply be a footnote in Milano`s narrative.
The Early Exchanges: A Battle of Wills
The final, played on Milano`s home court at the Forum, started with an explosive burst from the hosts. Olimpia quickly established a commanding 16-7 lead in the opening minutes, showcasing remarkable efficiency by sinking all nine of their initial two-point attempts. However, as rotations began and benches were emptied, Brescia found their rhythm. Key contributions from Della Valle, who started strong, and Massinburg off the bench, helped Germani claw their way back, narrowing the gap to a nail-biting 45-44 at halftime. The first half was a seesaw affair, where sheer competitive spirit kept the contest tightly balanced, suggesting a true clash of titans.
The Decisive Break: Nebo`s Dominance and Ellis`s Brilliance
The turning point arrived with the second half, and it came largely in the imposing form of **Nebojša “Nebo” Ilić**. After a season marred by injury, Nebo’s return was akin to a new signing, and he wasted no time in making his presence felt. A dominant spell saw him net 10 points in under five minutes, fueling a crucial Milano run that saw them break away to a 57-46 lead before Brescia could even register their first basket of the half. The momentum was irreversible. With Massinburg fighting a largely solitary battle for Brescia, and Shavon Shields and Nicolò Melli providing steady support, the gap widened further. A decisive 14-3 run spanning the end of the third and start of the fourth quarters pushed Milano to a seemingly insurmountable 73-55 advantage.
The final minutes were a victory lap for Milano, who extended their lead to +18. While Nebo`s impact was undeniable, the spotlight ultimately shone brightest on a player who truly rose to the occasion: **Quinn Ellis**. The young guard’s exemplary performance throughout the tournament, culminating in 12 points in the final, earned him the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award – a nod to his burgeoning talent and composure under pressure.
Stats That Tell a Story:
- **Milano`s Top Scorers:** Nebo (18), Ellis (12), Shields (10), LeDay (11), Ricci (11)
- **Brescia`s Top Scorers:** Massinburg (14), Burrell (14), Ivanovic (12), Della Valle (10)
Looking Ahead: Euroleague Beckons
With the Supercoppa trophy now proudly displayed in their cabinet, Olimpia Milano embarks on their Euroleague journey with renewed confidence and a psychological edge. The season is long, and challenges abound, but this early triumph underscores their depth, talent, and winning mentality. For Brescia, while the loss stings, their performance reaffirms their position as a top-tier contender in Italy, ready to challenge the established order. The stage is set for an exhilarating basketball season, and Milano has certainly started with a flourish.
