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The Italian basketball season is set to tip off with a high-stakes tournament as four of the nation’s top teams converge on the Unipol Forum in Assago for the Supercoppa. The event, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28, will serve as the first major test for teams and players vying for early-season dominance. All the action will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and Cielo, with streaming available on NOW.
The tournament begins Saturday with a semifinal doubleheader: Trento will face Brescia at 6:00 PM, followed by a heavyweight clash between Virtus Bologna and Milano at 8:45 PM. The winners will advance to the championship game on Sunday at 6:00 PM to compete for the first trophy of the LBA season.
Stars to Watch
As the tournament approaches, all eyes are on the key players expected to make a major impact. Germani Brescia, in particular, boasts a formidable duo that could carry the team to victory.
Reigning regular season MVP Miro Bilan remains a force in the paint. The Croatian center is a seasoned veteran with extensive experience and a proven ability to perform in crucial moments. Brescia’s hopes of capturing another trophy, following their 2023 Italian Cup win, rest heavily on his shoulders.
Alongside him is Amedeo Della Valle, the reigning Best Italian Player of the league. Della Valle is coming off a thrilling summer representing the Italian national team in 3×3 basketball. His continuous play throughout the offseason suggests he’s already in top form and could have a hot hand right from the start of the tournament. Two other potential breakout stars are also being monitored as dark horse candidates for the MVP award.
League Action Underway as Sella Cento Secures Opening Win
While the top teams prepare for the Supercoppa, the rest of the league has already begun regular season play. In a compelling season opener, Sella Cento secured a hard-fought 77-68 road victory over Libertas Livorno. The game, held at the PalaLeonessa in Brescia due to a lingering suspension for Livorno, saw Cento get its season off to a strong start. The occasion was made more significant as the team returned to its iconic red jerseys for the first time in four years.
A Game of Shifting Momentum
The contest was a tale of two halves. The first half was a tight, back-and-forth affair, with Livorno’s Woodson leading the charge. He scored 13 points before halftime, hitting two consecutive three-pointers in the second quarter to give his team a narrow two-point lead heading into the locker room. Cento struggled to score inside, shooting just 5-for-15 from two-point range.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically after halftime. Sella Cento’s captain, Davis, took over the game in the third quarter. He opened the half with a three-point play and proceeded to dominate on both ends of the floor with critical rebounds and defensive stops. His energy fueled a decisive run, as Cento outscored Livorno and built a lead that grew to as much as 11 points.
In the final quarter, Woodson and Livorno attempted a comeback, but Cento remained composed. With the game on the line, Davis once again stepped up, hitting a clutch basket while drawing a foul and converting the subsequent free throw. His leadership and stellar second-half performance proved to be the difference-maker, ensuring Sella Cento started their 2025 campaign with a significant victory.
