The highly anticipated EuroLeague 2025-26 calendar has officially been unveiled, setting the stage for 38 gruelling game days, punctuated by 10 challenging double-rounds. For Italian basketball enthusiasts, the focus immediately shifts to how their two premier teams, Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna, will navigate the initial hurdles of Europe`s top club competition. And if the opening fixtures are any indication, both squads are in for an immediate, uncompromising test of character.
Olimpia Milano: A Serbian Odyssey to Begin
Ettore Messina`s Olimpia Milano, a perennial contender often burdened by immense expectation, will kick off their EuroLeague campaign with what can only be described as a proper baptism of fire. Their journey begins on September 30th in Belgrade, a city synonymous with fervent basketball passion, against the formidable Crvena Zvezda (Red Star). As if one trip to the Serbian capital wasn`t enough, Milano will remain for an encore just two days later, on October 2nd, to face arch-rivals Partizan Belgrade. One might almost infer the schedule makers possess a particular fondness for Serbian hospitality, or perhaps a subtle, strategic streak of sadism.
This demanding opening stretch sees Olimpia Milano playing four of their first five games away from home. Their much-awaited home debut at the Mediolanum Forum is scheduled for October 9th, a marquee matchup against AS Monaco, featuring none other than former Milano standout Nikola Mirotic. Following this, the extensive travel continues with trips to face Bayern Munich in Bavaria and Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania. An immediate, robust road warrior mentality will be crucial for Milano`s early season fortunes, as they grapple with the practicalities of continental travel and top-tier opposition.
Virtus Bologna: Hosting Royalty from the Outset
Meanwhile, in Bologna, Coach Dusko Ivanovic`s Virtus side faces an equally daunting, albeit different, challenge right at their doorstep. Their EuroLeague odyssey commences on September 30th at the Paladozza, where they will host none other than the reigning kings of European basketball, Real Madrid. It`s a prime opportunity for Virtus to immediately gauge their title aspirations against the continent`s gold standard – a veritable `welcome to the big leagues` moment for their home crowd.
After their royal welcome, Virtus will embark on their first away game on October 3rd in Valencia, followed by another road trip to Paris on October 9th. The early home schedule for Bologna is a veritable who`s who of EuroLeague powerhouses, with Monaco, Panathinaikos, Anadolu Efes, and Maccabi Tel Aviv all slated to visit the Paladozza in quick succession. Such a demanding slate of home games ensures that the Virtus faithful will have no shortage of high-stakes action from day one, offering both an exciting spectacle and a stern test.
Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated fixture for Italian fans, the “EuroDerby” between Virtus Bologna and Olimpia Milano, is set to electrify the Paladozza crowd on January 2nd. This mid-season clash will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for both teams, serving as a significant benchmark in their respective campaigns and a highlight for national pride.
The Marathon Ahead: A True Test of Endurance
The EuroLeague season is a marathon, not a sprint—a relentless cycle of high-stakes contests and extensive travel. The 10 double-rounds, where teams play two games in quick succession within the same week, will truly test the depth, resilience, and tactical acumen of every squad. For Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna, this early gauntlet is more than just a series of games; it`s an immediate declaration of intent from the league itself. Only the most prepared, adaptable, and robust teams will navigate these opening weeks with success, setting the tone for their aspirations in the long, arduous road to the EuroLeague Final Four.
As the countdown to September 30th begins, Italian basketball fans can brace themselves for an electrifying start to the EuroLeague season, where their beloved teams will be thrown into the deep end of the continental pool. It promises to be a compelling watch, demonstrating the unyielding competitive spirit of European basketball.
