The wait is over! Italian basketball enthusiasts can now mark their calendars as the official schedule for the 2025-26 Serie A Unipol season has been unveiled. What promises to be a captivating campaign is set to launch on October 5th, immediately plunging teams into a crucible of domestic ambition and demanding international commitments.
For those who thrive on structured chaos, this season`s fixture list is a veritable feast. The calendar, maintaining its asymmetric home-and-away format, sets the stage for what will undoubtedly be a brutal yet beautiful ballet of basketball, particularly for Italy`s Euroleague contenders.
The Opening Act: Champions and Challengers Take Center Stage
The defending champions, Virtus Olidata Bologna, will tip off their title defense at home, welcoming Napoli in what promises to be an electric atmosphere. Meanwhile, their perennial rivals, EA7 Emporio Armani Milano, will host Bertram Derthona Tortona, signaling their own intentions for a strong start. These opening fixtures on October 5th are more than just games; they are the first brushstrokes on a canvas that will depict the narrative of the entire season.
But let`s be honest, the dates everyone circles are the clashes between these two titans. The rivalry that has largely defined Italian basketball for years will resume its epic saga on December 14th in Milan, with the return leg scheduled for March 15th in Bologna. These aren`t just games; they are strategic masterclasses, psychological battles, and often, previews of the championship series itself.
A Season of Triple Threats: The Relentless Schedule
This season`s calendar release comes with a distinct flavor of intensity, primarily due to overlapping international commitments. Before the Serie A even begins, the Italian National Team will be deep into the European Championship, with the final set for September 14th. This means key players will transition directly from grueling national duties to the club season with barely a moment to breathe.
Adding another layer to this already dense schedule is the revamped Euroleague. Now featuring 20 teams, Europe`s premier club competition kicks off earlier than ever, with double-headers on September 30th and October 2nd. This aggressive start means Virtus and Milano will be navigating an immediate gauntlet of elite European competition even before their domestic league truly gets into gear. It`s almost as if the basketball gods decided a short off-season was far too indulgent.
A Quick Warm-Up: The Italian Supercup
Before the league`s grand curtain-raiser, the Italian Supercup will offer a tantalizing appetizer. Scheduled for September 27th and 28th at the Unipol Forum in Assago, the semifinals will feature an immediate clash of the titans: Bologna against Milano. In the other bracket, Brescia will face Trento, setting up what promises to be an exciting pre-season tournament and an early indicator of form.
Beyond the Duopoly: Who Else to Watch?
While much of the spotlight naturally falls on Bologna and Milano, the Serie A Unipol is replete with talent and competitive spirit. The first round showcases a diverse range of matchups that will test early ambitions:
- Virtus-Napoli
- Milano-Tortona
- Trento-Cantù
- Trieste-Trapani
- Treviso-Brescia
- Venezia-Cremona
- Sassari-Varese
- Reggio Emilia-Udine
Each of these games represents the hopes and dreams of their respective fan bases, a chance to upset the established order or consolidate their place among the league`s elite. The sheer density of quality and the absence of any true “easy” games promise a demanding season for all contenders.
The 2025-26 Serie A Unipol season is shaping up to be a marathon of tactical brilliance, physical endurance, and dramatic moments. With European ambitions weighing heavily on their shoulders and national pride pushing them forward, Italy`s basketball teams are ready to embark on a journey that will test their mettle like never before. Fans, prepare for a relentless spectacle where every game matters, and the pursuit of glory is a continuous, hard-fought battle.
