EA7 Emporio Armani Milano is set to host Dolomiti Energia Trentino in an anticipated LBA matchup on March 23, 2025, at 18:15 at the Unipol Forum in Assago, Milan. This game comes with significant importance as it serves as a rematch of the recent Frecciarossa Final Eight 2025 final where Trento claimed the victory. Milano, eager to bounce back after their performance in Euroleague, looks to solidify their standing in Italy's league against Trento, who recently celebrated a win against Pistoia.
The stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. After the victory over Brescia, Milano faces Trento, who currently stands on a high note from their victory, making the dynamics of this encounter even more thrilling for fans and players alike. Broadcasted live on DAZN and DMAX, the game promises to draw viewers eager to witness this intense rivalry in action.
Historically, this matchup has favored Milano, who leads the series with a record of 31 wins to Trento's 15 losses. However, in the last two seasons alone, the teams have met nine times, a figure that includes regular-season games and playoffs, indicating the fierce competition they share. Just last November, in the first leg of their current series, Trento dominated the court with a decisive 91-57 win, underlining their potential as a formidable opponent.
As for the present day, both rosters are experiencing fluctuating health, with significant players sidelined. Milano's squad will miss Josh Nebo due to a tendon injury and Freddie Gillespie, who is recovering from a head trauma sustained in a Euroleague match against Fenerbahçe. This gives a unique opportunity for the talent on the floor, including the return of Nikola Mirotic in a surprising development, as well as Nenad Dimitrijevic, who is back after some time away from the team.
Speaking to DAZN, Coach Ettore Messina emphasized the importance of improvement on the court: “In the first league game, we were largely incomplete but they played very well. They took us off the court. In the Italian Cup game, we made too many defensive errors and also missed on offense, playing below our level while they played a great game. We need to play better on both sides of the court.” This sentiment showcases the urgency felt by Milano to elevate their game against an already confident Trento team.
On the opposing bench, Trento's Coach Paolo Galbiati approaches the game with cautious optimism, noting his team’s resilience and capacity. Players are equally aware of the stakes, as highlighted by Selom Mawugbe: “Milano has an experienced roster made up of veterans. I expect a physical and very difficult game. We must remain focused for 40 minutes and respect our game plan.” Such remarks hint at a mutual respect between the competitors, emphasizing the tactical elements of their strategy.
Going into this match, Shavon Shields stands out for the Milano team as he makes his 200th appearance in Serie A, a milestone that speaks to his dedication and skill over the years and adds a personal edge to the competition for both clubs.
On another note, the absence of key players affects each team differently. Milan will have to adjust their strategy without both Nebo and Gillespie, while Trento’s Jordan Bayehe is out with a left hand injury, specifically a fracture of the third metacarpal, creating gaps that may dictate play timing during the match.
The mutual history between EA7 Emporio Armani Milano and Dolomiti Energia Trentino adds to the drama of this showdown, with dedicated fans and the limelight of major television coverage further enhancing the stakes. As the evening approaches, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a captivating chapter in their storied rivalry.
The match will also showcase former players, with Diego Flaccadori and Shavon Shields highlighting the significance of their previous affiliations, each looking to prove their mettle against past teams. Both players’ performances will be closely watched as they face off against former teammates, knowing that personal pride is as much on the line as the game result.
As fans prepare to tune in starting at 17:55, the action will decidedly unfold with the guidance of referees Michele Rossi, Fabrizio Paglialunga, and Sergio Noce, who will oversee the dynamics on the court.
This upcoming game is more than just a sporting event; it is a battleground where pride, strategy, and the fervor of competition intertwine, making it a must-watch for fans of Italian basketball. Both teams are poised to make their mark in LBA history as they take to the court, eager to claim essential points and perhaps more importantly, the confidence and morale that come with a well-fought victory.
