AS Monaco vs Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Tap-off tomorrow, Friday October 13th, at 7 p.m., Salle Gaston Medecin (Monaco).
Live: Sky Sport, DAZN, Euroleague.tv, Radio Nettuno Bologna Uno.
Referee: RADOVIC, LATISEVS, ALIAGA.
Achille Polonara is unavailable.
Coach Banchi’s words on the eve of the trip to Monegasque: “The first away game of the Euroleague certainly represents a challenging opponent for us. Monaco was able to reach the Final Four last year and presents itself at the start of this new season with many confirmations, from the coach to the main core of the team, with some small corrections , who confirm their ambition to stay there, are the absolute top both in the Euroleague and at national level, where they won two trophies last year, both the championship and the French Cup. It will certainly be a challenging game from a nervous perspective, both teams suffered defeat in their debut game, there will be a strong desire on both sides to make amends but above all to give momentum to the new season. We need a win that raises awareness of the potential of teams who face the new season with many unknowns, some absences, some injuries and a level of preparation that is still not ideal. But I think we will need a game with a very high content, both technically and competitively, because these teams will put a lot of intensity on the pitch, as you could also see in the debut game against Kaunas, it certainly didn’t seem like a first Euroleague game, but already a game shortly before the playoffs. The key to this game will certainly be controlling the tempo, trying to limit the big offensive players, winning the rebound battle and having a more balanced attack than last week against Kaunas. It will be stimulating to get involved in a team with this potential and ambition. But this is the Euroleague, and every game reflects a strong desire to compete with the best and strive for excellence. That is why I am convinced that we can use this as an opportunity to aim for a victory, which, as already mentioned, would be the best way for us to get into the rhythm of such a demanding event. Part of us is obviously here and will stay in Bologna during this double trip. We are close to Achille and his family and hope to see him with us as soon as possible, wearing the Virtus jersey again and doing what he does best on the pitch. It’s a very special moment. It was nice to have him in the gym with us today and greet his teammates before this trip. As I said, solidarity with him is great, but I really hope that everything can be sorted out as quickly as possible and that Achille returns to play with the same and even more determination than before. I think that the appointment for everyone is in a few days and that everything can be clarified in the best possible way and that these two away games can bring for Virtus the satisfaction that we are working towards.”
Smith’s statements on the eve of the game: “They’re a really talented team, they reached the Final Four last year and didn’t make the finals because of a poor final quarter. They probably have the best outfield department in the Euroleague with Mike James and Elie Okobo. We are ready for this challenge and want to get back on track after last week.”
