Virtus Bologna: Waiting for the Euroleague and the new arena, Motiejunas speaks

In Rome, or rather, in St. Peter's Square, starting next week, they will be waiting impatiently for the white smoke. The sign that the Conclave is deciding who to entrust the future of the Church to, after Pope Bergoglio.

Without resorting to irreverent comparisons, a white smoke awaits you too. Virtus. As for his future in Euroleague. The latest, in chronological order, to go out on a limb in favour of the black and white colours was Paulius Motiejunas. Not just anyone, the CEO of the Euroleague.

Interviewed by Piero Guerrini, for Tuttosport, the manager had honeyed words (and praise) for the black and white Bologna. "Virtus is one of the most iconic clubs on the continent. With the arrival of Mr. Zanetti it has returned to a high level in an important way. It has some of the most passionate fans and the next step is consistency, staying at a high level and competing year after year. They are focused on this with the construction of the new arena which is the foundation for building long-term success."

An opening? Something more. Also because the CEO of the Euroleague talks about the arena that will come – and that will be ready for November 2026 –: apparently everything is set up to allow Virtus to face the most beautiful competition. Virtus also has the TV requests on its side: the black and white brand and its history is also attractive for those who love to follow the Euroleague. Positive signals, of course, but to have the famous white smoke you have to put it down in black and white. And Motiejunas will also move on the indications that the founding clubs will provide him. What is the obstacle? There is more than one obstacle: the fact that, for now, they have not moved from the 18-player format to the 20-player format (at least officially). And the competition from those who can put a lot of money on the scale.

And so Abu Dhabi, where the next final four will be played (Fenerbahce and Olympiacos have already qualified) has its weight. As does Valencia. Which failed to enter through the EuroCup, which rewarded Hapoel Tel Aviv and its ambitions, and therefore proposes the idea of ​​a new arena, futuristic and futuristic, in which to play the next final four in 2026.

A chess game, in short. In which Virtus will have to rely, with patience, on its diplomatic skills. Even twenty days and, perhaps, we will have the final word on this soap opera. In the meantime, there is a championship to continue. Tonight an advance that Virtus will follow with interest, Trento-Reggio Emilia. Tomorrow, then, Trapani-Milan. With Virtus (Matteo Accorsi registered, while Daniel Hackett was nominated by the Lega Basket, best defender of April) who, today, will leave for Scafati. Waiting for the Euroleague (and its decisions) there would be a record to secure.