Virtus tries to play the Holiday joker. The American towards the early debut

Possible surprise in Euroleague. Justin Holiday, who will have the number 1 jersey – also an implicit message to the role he would like to play – has returned to the city. And today Dusko Ivanovic could also decide to include him in the twelve. It is logical that in this eventuality he could not guarantee miracles or substantial minutes, but the idea that he could anticipate his debut, can do good to the Virtus also in terms of the Italian Cup.

Tonight, however, at the Segafredo Arena there will be the Euroleague: at 20,30 pm the match against Partizan. Friday will be the turn of Paris and, also on Friday, the assembly is scheduled with the consequent reshuffle after the dismissal given to Luca Baraldi.

You say Partizan and the exploits of Virtus in Belgrade immediately come to mind. Last year's and this season's, one of the few (continental) satisfactions of Luca Banchi's management. There are at least a couple of exes over there: Iffe Lundberg on the field and Zoran Savic, now a manager. Then, on the bench, that Obradovic who, since the days of Treviso (a lifetime ago), has been a historic rival of the Black V.

With the Venice issue closed and the second place shared in Serie A restored, Virtus is still without Ante Zizic and Will Clyburn is looking for answers.

Ivanovic is looking for them, and on Sunday evening he was categorical in stating, in a few words, his philosophy. You can win and you can lose, but you have to leave the field with your head held high, sure of having given your all.

And against Venice Virtus certainly did not shine. But they showed the desire to fight for every ball. Those characteristics that Sergeant Dusko really likes.

"Partizan – says the Virtus coach – is a combative and athletic team, they have often shown it, especially in the last matches, out of 13 they have won 11. They play very well in defense, in a tough manner, with continuous defensive changes, plus they have several players with enough experience to manage the decisive final possessions".

The one who is gaining minutes, taking advantage of the absences, is Rayjon Tucker. Compared to the beginning of the season, the former Venezia player is still quite confused. But he was able to discipline his physicality a bit. And put it at the service of his teammates. Who help him in every way, as we saw on Sunday. The welcome of Toko Shengelia, one of the leaders of the group, after a triple by Tucker.

"It will be a very tough match – explains Rayjon – because Partizan is a very good team, with many strong points. We will have to fight, as always in the Euroleague. The goal is to play as a team, tough and confident".