The stage is set for the thrilling quarter-final clash between Germani Brescia and Bertram Derthona Tortona at the 2025 Coppa Italia Final Eight. Scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the match will tip-off at 18:00 at the prestigious Pala-Inalpi Arena in Turin. Fans can catch all the action live on DAZN, DMAX, and Eurosport 1.
This game marks the first meeting between the two teams in the Coppa Italia, adding to the anticipation surrounding the tournament. Brescia, the number one seed for the first time in its history, aims to replicate its triumph from 2023, where it bested Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Meanwhile, Tortona arrives as the eighth seed, determined to prove their mettle after facing a challenging season.
Both teams have clashed twice during the current Serie A season, with each securing one victory. Brescia narrowly won the first encounter 85-78 on November 17, 2024, with standout performances from players like Aleksej Ivanovic and Jason Burnell. Conversely, Tortona took revenge on January 19, 2025, outscoring Brescia 106-98 after overtime, highlighting the competitive edge between these squads.
Heading to the quarter-finals, Brescia has shown consistency, especially under the leadership of coach Giuseppe Poeta, making his Final Eight debut as head coach. Poeta, who captained Auxilium Torino to the Coppa Italia victory back in 2018, leads this talented team with players like Miro Bilan and Della Valle, both invaluable to their offensive strategies.
Derthona, on the other hand, struggles with form as they enter the tournament. The team suffered five consecutive defeats leading up to this match, potentially impacting their confidence. The absence of Arturs Strautins, sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, adds to their worries. Despite these setbacks, head coach Walter De Raffaele, with six previous Final Eight participations under his belt, helps keep the team focused and hopeful.
Christian Vital, one of Tortona’s star players, remains poised to make his mark. His recent performances, such as scoring 22 points against Bologna, demonstrate his ability to rise to the occasion. The matchup between him and Burnell will be pivotal. Burnell scored impressively against Trieste recently and will be looked upon to continue this trend.
Both teams are aware of the stakes and the possibility of facing either Virtus Bologna or EA7 Emporio Armani Milano in the semi-finals if they advance. Having witnessed Tortona's potential for surprise victories earlier this season, it'll be interesting to see how they adapt through this high-pressure game against one of the top teams.
With Brescia's recent successes and Tortona's fierce determination to return to form, this encounter promises to deliver intense basketball filled with passion and strategic play. Poeta emphasized, "Our first goal is to recover from our last match and prepare for the physical challenge Tortona presents. We need to be sharp and impactful right from the get-go."
Given the tension, the excitement surrounding this quarter-final clash is palpable. Who will rise to the occasion, and which team will secure its place among the semifinalists? It's anyone's guess as these two formidable teams ready themselves for the challenge. The fans are certainly eager to see which side will emerge victorious under the bright lights of the arena!
Mark your calendars and prepare for what promises to be one of the highlights of the Coppa Italia!