Virtus, finally a smile after the Cup. Zizic returns at the end of the month with Olympiacos

In the gym, for the last 'recall' and full of energy. But from Monday. Also because then, after, there will be no moments of rest for a Virtus who wants to get to the resumption of the games – on February 28, against theOlympiacos, Segafredo Arena – in the best possible condition.

Returning to the field immediately would have helped to dispel the dark clouds that emerged from the Inalpi Arena in Turin, after the quarter-final with Olimpia. But playing immediately, without having the opportunity to sweat in the gym, would have still created problems for a group that has some needs. Work together to refine the understanding. And insert the best Justin Holiday, who has a very respectable past in the NBA (including a ring won with Golden State, the very year after Marco Belinelli's triumph in the Spurs jersey), but who in Europe must demonstrate that he is an important element, both in attack and in defense.

And so off on Monday, to the gym named in memory of Lawyer Gianluigi Porelli, with a half-certainty that almost turns into a smile. Almost because, returning to the knockout with Milan, long faces and low heads still prevail (rightly).

On February 28th, at the Fair, we will also see again Ante Zizic. Not in civilian clothes, in the stands, but in a tank top and shorts. Ready to lend a hand under the basket. The Croatian's stop forced Dusko Ivanovic, with only one center available - Momo Diouf - to some tactical alchemy. Also exposing Andrejs Grazulis, who is not a center at all, to low-profile figures.

The Croatian, even if he is an old-school pivot, can bring height and size to guard the area. He may not be an antidote to long-distance shots - he does not have the required foot speed - but in the battle under the basket he can provide more than one brick to the black and white cause.

And Clyburn? Will, whose rehabilitation is progressing, could return against Milan. Not in the championship match at the beginning of March, but in the following one, in the Euroleague, on April 4. In the meantime, however, this period will be used for his replacement. For Justin Holiday, after all, the goal is twofold. On the one hand, to take possession of the team's schemes to represent an additional weapon. On the other, to grow to the point of convincing the club to extend the agreement - so far spread over three months - until the end of the season. To play not only in place of Clyburn. But also alongside him.

Finally, no problem to see Matt Morgan again, overturned only by a heavy flu attack. His aggressive basketball, against Milan, would not have been useful to win. But to make the surrender less bitter, yes.

Finally, on Monday, the Azzurri will call up Akele, Diouf and Pajola.