Virtus in Belgrade looking for answers. Coach Ivanovic: "There is a lot to improve"

"We know that a difficult match awaits us", Dusko Ivanovic dictates the line before Virtus leaves for Belgrade. The reality is that from now until the end, whether we play in the Euroleague – where Virtus has no more hopes or ambitions – or in the championship, they are all difficult challenges. Captain Belinelli and the core of the Italians know it. The foreigners know it, who, at this point in the season, perhaps thought they had something more. In terms of points and credibility.

The game will be played at 20,15:XNUMX pm in Belgrade, but the opponent will not be a Serbian team. Because Belgrade, for a couple of seasons now, is also the home of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

A difficult match for Virtus' European journey - the consecutive defeats have risen to seven - and made even more thorny by the two points thrown away on Sunday in Naples. Two points that could have meant solitary primacy and at least a confident smile. In Europe, meanwhile, Virtus lost to Monaco, Partizan, Paris, Olympiacos and Real Madrid at the Segafredo Arena. Without leaving any traces in Istanbul, both at Fenerbahce's home and at Efes's. To find a winning Virtus, we have to go back to January 17, a blitz in Germany, in Bavaria, in Bayern's lair. Then, only defeats. Will Clyburn returns to the twelve, who is unlikely to be used today. But Momo Diouf is out, with knee pain. The Italian remained at the Porelli gym, to heal and work. The situation will be monitored day after day, but it seems difficult, at this point, to see him on the field in Trieste.

Paradoxically, it could be an advantage for Ivanovic, who loves bold quintets without role centers. And perhaps an extra chance for Grazulis. Having said that he will play in the arena named after Professor Aleksandar Nikolic (live on Sky, Dazn and Nettuno Bologna Uno), the referees will be Mogulkoc, Latisevs and Vyklicky.

But let's go back to the Montenegrin coach's thoughts on this match in which Virtus will have to prove something to itself, but also to the top of the Euroleague, to try to stay attached to the most spectacular competition.

"We have to improve," Ivanovic said, "starting with the game against Maccabi. They have changed a lot during the season and now they are a really athletic team, probably the best in transition and offensive rebounds. We know that a difficult game awaits us."

Rayjon Tucker is also on the same wavelength and, if the trip to Naples is any indication, has now surpassed Justin Holiday in the rotation, who remained to watch in Campania.

"Obviously we want to win," Tucker said. "We've had a little losing streak on the road and every game is important to improve and grow as a team. What we're going to have to do is come out tough."