As the LBA enters its 23rd round on March 23, 2025, significant matches are set to unfold, particularly those crucial for teams aiming to avoid relegation. Among these, one of the most anticipated clashes is the Campania derby between Givova Scafati and Napoli Basket, both of whom are embroiled in the fight for survival.
This derby, to be held at 19:00 at the Beta Ricambi Arena – PalaMangano, will play a critical role in determining the paths of both teams. As of now, Scafati and Napoli are tied with 12 points in the standings, making this match not just a local rivalry, but a vital contest for their hopes of staying in the league.
The week leading to this match saw Givova Scafati displaying strong determination in their preparations under coach Marco Ramondino. The coach acknowledged the importance of the match stating, "It is a very important game, between two teams in the same classification fighting for survival. Moreover, it’s also a much-feared derby. We have worked hard this week to approach this challenge well: we are ready.” This preparation came after a disappointing home defeat against Tortona. On the other hand, Napoli comes into this game with momentum on their side after securing an impressive victory against Virtus Bologna.
Historically, Napoli leads the encounters between the two teams with 11 wins out of 15 meetings, but Scafati has a slight edge at home with 4 victories against 3 losses in their own venue. In the first encounter this season, Napoli snatched a thrilling overtime victory, 96-94. The stakes are high for this rematch, further fueled by a fierce rivalry that often brings about unexpected outcomes.
During the round, there are also crucial matches involving other teams battling for safety in the league. For instance, on the same day, Banco di Sardegna Dinamo Sassari will face off against Vanoli Cremona at 16:45. Both teams are embedded in the lower half of the table, with Sassari on the brink of relegation. This match is vital for both sides, as maintaining their league status is at risk. Meanwhile, NutriBullet Treviso is scheduled to take on Openjobmetis Varese later in the evening at 20:00.
Meanwhile, Bertram Derthona Tortona will host Estra Pistoia at 17:30 at the PalaEnergica Paolo Ferraris. Tortona's position is somewhat secure after a streak of six consecutive wins, yet they cannot afford to become complacent against the bottom team, Pistoia, who currently languish at the foot of the table with only 10 points. Coach Walter De Raffaele of Derthona pointed out the fierce nature of Pistoia’s play, remarking, "Pistoia is a team that plays with a knife between their teeth. One must focus on the importance of the individual talents of their players and the pride of the Italian group.”
Pistoia is coming off two tough losses but has recently bolstered their roster by signing American guard Kadeem Allen, although he will not be available for this match. Derthona will look to build on their recent successful run as they prepare for the following week’s challenges, which include home matches crucial for playoff implications. In their previous meeting, Derthona clinched a narrow win over Pistoia, showing the competitive nature of their earlier encounter with a score of 93-89.
The atmosphere for these matches will be electric, especially the derby between Givova Scafati and Napoli, with fans eagerly waiting to see if their team can clinch victory and maintain league status. Moreover, all matches in this round will be broadcast live on DAZN, allowing fans to keep up with the intense action as teams battle to avoid relegation.
As the day unfolds, it promises to be a dramatic round of basketball that could reshape the standings and determine the fates of several teams as they confront the looming threat of relegation. With high stakes and fierce rivalries at play, each game is more than just a match; it’s a question of survival for the teams involved.
