Italian basketball enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The much-anticipated 2025-26 Lega Basket Serie A Unipol calendar has officially dropped, promising a season brimming with thrilling matchups and relentless competition. Fans are gearing up for an intense campaign, with pivotal dates already set to ignite the courts across Italy.
The Rivalry Renewed: Virtus Bologna vs. Olimpia Milan
The league kicks off on October 5th, setting the stage for what promises to be another gripping championship race. Reigning champions Virtus Segafredo Bologna will open their campaign at home against Napoli, while their perennial rivals, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, will host Bertram Derthona Tortona.
But let’s be honest, everyone`s eyes are on the rivalry. The titans of Italian basketball, Virtus Bologna and Olimpia Milan – teams that have dominated the Scudetto landscape for years and consistently represent Italy in the EuroLeague – are set to clash on December 14th in Milan. The return leg, a potentially pivotal encounter, is slated for March 15th in Bologna. These matchups are not just games; they are strategic chess matches, often defining the season`s narrative and sparking passionate debate among supporters.
A Season of Endurance: EuroLeague and National Team Influence
This year`s calendar, while exciting, reveals a schedule that can only be described as a test of endurance. The October start is a direct consequence of the Italian National Team`s commitments, with the European Championship running through September 14th – including a high-profile debut against Giannis Antetokounmpo`s Greece on August 28th. Such international demands always place a unique burden on domestic league scheduling, pushing tip-off later than some might prefer.
Before the league even gets into full swing, fans will get a tantalizing preview with the Italian Supercup. Set for September 27th at the Unipol Forum in Assago, this curtain-raiser will feature two blockbuster semi-finals: Bologna vs. Milan, and Brescia vs. Trento, with the final following on September 28th. It’s a perfect appetizer, serving up high-stakes basketball right from the get-go.
For EuroLeague contenders like EA7 Milan and Virtus Bologna, the pace will be particularly unforgiving. The expanded 20-team EuroLeague format means more double-game weeks, with the first of these already hitting on September 30th and October 2nd. A gentle warm-up before the Serie A even begins, indeed. This relentless pace will test the depth and resilience of Italy`s top clubs, making squad management and injury prevention as crucial as on-court performance.
Opening Day Delights: October 5th Fixtures
Mark your diaries for the full list of inaugural matchups that will ignite the 2025-26 Serie A Unipol season:
- Virtus Bologna vs. Napoli
- Olimpia Milan vs. Bertram Derthona Tortona
- Trento vs. Cantù
- Trieste vs. Trapani
- Treviso vs. Brescia
- Venezia vs. Cremona
- Sassari vs. Varese
- Reggio Emilia vs. Udine
With a packed schedule of domestic and international commitments, the 2025-26 Serie A Unipol season promises to be a captivating journey for Italian basketball fans. Get ready for tip-off!
