This Italian Derby will see Virtus (17-15) attempt to restore confidence by snapping a five-game losing streak against a Milan team (14-18) that knows it could be eliminated with a defeat.
Ettore Messina, Milan: 'We will do everything possible to beat them'
Virtus can rely on power forward Toko Shengelia, who has averaged 21 points in the last three games, but has to shed some psychological demons after Round 32's last-second loss to Panathinaikos. Virtus won the season's first Italian Derby by 86-79 despite 21 points from Milan leader Shavon Shields, who forms a one-two offensive punch with Nikola Mirotic, ranking seventh and sixth, respectively, among all EuroLeague scorers. Three-point shooting could be crucial as Milan relies on Shields and Mirotic, while Virtus hopes Marco Belinelli extends his streak of 10 straight games with at least one triple.
Luca Banchi, Virtus head coach
"Milan is unquestionably one of the most competitive teams in the entire EuroLeague, as evidenced by its recent successes, which still offer it residual hopes of qualifying for the postseason. Both teams will come to this appointment determined to play a high-profile game, as is tradition among teams destined to compete on every front. We will find an opponent in an excellent shape, capable of imposing its physicality, intensity and depth of roster in both halves of the court, which is why this test will force us to a performance characterized by confidence, aggressiveness and continuity."
Ettore Messina, Milan head coach
"We face a traditional rival like Virtus Bologna and we will do everything possible to beat them. To achieve this we will have to start from a balanced offense and a solid defense on their transition game, in order to keep their shooters from getting too many open looks, especially Belinelli. We will have Pippo Ricci back and this will allow us to have more balanced rotations."
Tornike Shengelia, Virtus player
"We expect a tough game, we should not be fooled by the standings. Milano is a very good team and we know how tough it will be. It will definitely be a great game, it's always good to measure ourselves in matches of this level. They have many strong long players, not only Mirotic but also Melli, Hines, Poythress, we will not have to focus on one player."