Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs Happy Casa Brindisi. Tip-off tomorrow, Thursday February 17, 8.45pm, Vitrifrigo Arena (Pesaro).
Rai SportHD, Eurosport 2, Discovery+ and Radio Nettuno Bologna Uno.
Referees: SAHIN, BALDINI, GRIGIONI.
Kevin Hervey and Milos Teodosic will also be in Pesaro, having recovered from their respective injuries and having tested negative for Covid in the past weeks. Long-term absentees Ekpe Udoh and Awudu Abass.
Coach Sergio Scariolo: “Virtus in the last ten years has passed the quarter-finals only once, a significant figure that more than creating pressure, I think it serves to focus attention and energy on the first game. I’ve played many Copa del Rey, whose formula has been copied in many countries, I can say that thinking about the first game is the best thing players can do, also in light of Virtus’ negative tradition in the Coppa Italia in the last few outings. Brindisi has physically reinforced the roster, with size, physical impact and more finishing skills, one of the best teams in the offensive rebounding, with important players like N. Perkins and other excellent players, with a good tradition in the Cup and that knows how to understand this Trophy in the best possible way. In a dry game, the values become smaller as well as the differences in personnel, we must remain focused and alert. In the previous games, Brindisi made it difficult for us, then we managed to win with merit, but never in an easy way. Hervey and Teodosic are not in the same situation, probably in a regular season game Teodosic would not play, but the Italian Cup is a particular competition and he wants to play, but we have to look beyond the days, because he has a very limited autonomy, we have to think about it and also see the answers and the feelings of the last training. Hervey hasn’t played with contact for two months and more and his role is one of contact, he must regain confidence with the physical contact and overcome this fear. Alexander’s surgery was very smart for him and for us, a serious guy who we will follow through the season with attention and affection.”
