By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Luca Banchi formally stepped into his new role as Armani Olimpia Milano’s head coach with a clear sense of urgency ahead of his debut against Zalgiris in Round 11 of the 2026–27 EuroLeague Regular Season.
Returning to the club over a decade after his first stint, the 61-year-old expert quickly dismissed any room for nostalgia. He noted on Tuesday that his immediate task is to make an impact so the roster can compete from night one. “The club has asked me to re-establish a unity of purpose that will connect the team, coaching staff, but also restores the warmth and affection of the fans,” he stated.
The offer came unexpectedly, but Banchi felt unfinished business regarding how his previous tenure ended over what he called ‘a missed rebound’. He recalled the charm of the late Giorgio Armani, who once phoned him simply to praise the team’s fighting spirit, proving that connecting with the fans matters just as much as winning. To get there, Banchi stressed that the players must embrace the club’s DNA and rebuild confidence during a brutal stretch of games.
Roster management requires immediate attention. The Grosseto native highlighted the pressing need for a temporary replacement for the injured Devin Booker to protect the rotation from overloading. He refused to look too far ahead, pointing out that the locker room is still processing the loss of departing head coach Peppe Poeta.
Also in charge of the senior national team of Italy, Banchi feels ready for the relentless EuroLeague calendar. He expects Milano‘s domestic players to provide the work ethic needed to reshape the group’s identity. Banchi also dismissed any concerns over pulling double duty combined with his commitment to the national team.
“I’ve been working full-time for just over a year, and this has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the context and build a network of collaborators around me that will allow me to delegate more effectively than in the past,” he mentioned. “The Federation is used to having a part-time coach. Obviously, the EuroLeague commitment is particularly demanding, but I think it’s a sustainable and manageable commitment from my part.”
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