The official EuroLeague 2025-26 calendar has been meticulously laid out, charting the course for what promises to be another gripping season of elite European basketball. As teams finalize their rosters and strategies, two of Italy`s most formidable clubs, EA7 Emporio Armani Olimpia Milano and Segafredo Virtus Bologna, are poised to face an immediate and rigorous test of their capabilities right from the opening whistle.
Olimpia Milano: Kicking Off with a Road Show
For Ettore Messina`s Olimpia Milano, the curtain rises on their 2025-26 EuroLeague campaign with an itinerary that suggests the league office might have accidentally booked them for a continental tour rather than a basketball season. Their inaugural match on September 30 sends them straight into the formidable atmosphere of Belgrade, where they will contend with Crvena Zvezda (Red Star). Not content with just one Serbian challenge, Milano will then remain in the capital for a swift turnaround, facing local rivals Partizan just two days later, on October 2. A rather “warm” welcome, one might observe, involving two of Europe`s most passionate fan bases.
This early road-heavy sequence continues unabated for the Milanese giants, as four of their initial five fixtures are scheduled away from their home court. Their long-awaited home debut at the Mediolanum Forum is set for October 9, against Monaco, a fixture that will also mark the return of former Milano standout Nikola Mirotic. Following this, further challenging away games await in Bavaria against Bayern Munich and in Lithuania against Zalgiris Kaunas. This demanding start will undoubtedly serve as an early crucible, testing Milano`s tactical discipline and roster depth.
Virtus Bologna: A Royal Home Opener
In contrast to Milano`s travels, Coach Duško Ivanović`s Virtus Bologna will commence their European journey with the distinct advantage of playing before their home crowd. Their EuroLeague debut on September 30 sees them welcome none other than the reigning champions and perennial powerhouse, Real Madrid, to the historic Paladozza. This high-stakes opening night promises to be an immediate litmus test for Virtus`s aspirations, setting the tone for their season in dramatic fashion.
Following this royal encounter, Virtus will embark on their first away game on October 3 against Valencia, before heading to Paris for another road fixture on October 9. Upon their return to the familiar confines of Paladozza, Virtus supporters can anticipate a series of compelling home games, including matchups against Monaco, Panathinaikos, Efes, and Maccabi Tel Aviv. This varied mix of early opponents will provide Virtus with ample opportunities to solidify their game plan and establish their competitive standing.
For fans of Italian basketball, a significant date to circle on the calendar is the highly anticipated EuroDerby between Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna. This much-awaited continental clash is scheduled for January 2. In this initial encounter, Virtus Bologna will play host to their formidable rivals at the Paladozza, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere to kick off the new year with a bang.
Navigating the Marathon: 38 Games, 10 Double Rounds
The 2025-26 EuroLeague season is designed as a true test of endurance and consistency, comprising 38 grueling game days. Integrated within this extensive calendar are 10 double-round weeks, demanding exceptional physical conditioning, strategic squad rotation, and unwavering mental fortitude from all participating teams. For both Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna, successfully navigating their demanding opening schedules will be paramount in building momentum and laying a solid foundation for their respective campaigns.
As Europe`s basketball elite gears up for another season of intense competition, the initial weeks will undoubtedly provide captivating narratives and crucial early indicators of form. Italian fans, alongside basketball enthusiasts worldwide, will keenly observe as these two formidable Italian teams step onto the EuroLeague stage, ready to confront their challenging opponents and vie for continental supremacy. The journey ahead promises to be nothing short of compelling.
