By Javier Molero/ info@eurohoops.net
Ettore Messina is no longer the head coach of Armani Milan. The Italian coach, who has led the team since 2019, has decided to step down, as reported first by La Gazzetta dello Sport and subsequently confirmed by the club.
He will be replaced by Giuseppe Poeta, who returned to Milan this past summer as an assistant coach and signed a three-year contract.
After starting the EuroLeague season with some key wins despite injury woes, Olimpia Milano was beginning to show promise with a completely revamped roster. However, Milan has now suffered three consecutive defeats and a 6-6 record.
In the domestic league, the team currently sits in eighth place in the standings with a poor record of five wins and four losses. Messina will remain involved with the team as a personal advisor to President Leo Dell’Orco, according to the Italian media outlet.
The club made the following statement:
Ettore Messina will continue to be part of the organization in his management role, ensuring continuity and expertise within the club thanks to his years of experience.
President Leo Dell’Orco stated: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Ettore Messina for the successes we achieved together, from the championships we won to the Italian Cups and Super Cups, as well as reaching the Final Four in 2021. With the same conviction, I wish the best to Peppe Poeta, confident that he will lead the team with passion and determination.”