By Cesare Milanti/ info@eurohoops.net
It’s a game full of charm that brings back fond memories. At the same time, it’s a rivalry that has reemerged in recent years with legendary figures Ettore Messina and Sergio Scariolo facing each other on the respective benches.
On Wednesday night, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan will face Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Round 7 of the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. It’s the first game between the two Italian clubs on the continental stage in 25 years.
Both teams are currently out of the playoff zone with Milan riding in on a 3-3 record after a loss against Real Madrid and Virtus Bologna on a 2-4 record after losing at home against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in Round 6.
Let’s take a look back at the five most-thrilling clashes between Milan and Virtus played on the former’s home floor:
Simac Milano 74-77 Granarolo Bologna – G3 1983/84 Serie A Finals
Milan and Bologna dominated the Italian basketball scene in the 1950s, ending the season in the first two positions eight times in that decade. But when the Italian League championship started to be awarded through playoff series, they faced each other only twice: in 1978/79, when Virtus won 2-0, and in 1983/84. In that season, the rivalry reached its peak.
Coach Dan Peterson and superstar big man Dino Meneghin led Milan and Virtus relied on Roberto Brunamonti and Renato Villalta. After splitting the first two encounters, Granarolo Bologna captured a 77-74 victory in Game 3 on the road to conquer its 10th Scudetto.