RIMINI, Italy – All eyes in Italian basketball turn to Rimini this weekend as the city prepares to host the 2026 Coppa Italia LNP, a mid-season tournament showcasing the best of Serie A2 and Serie B. For the second consecutive year, Dole Basket Rimini will compete for the coveted trophy, leveraging home-court advantage at the Palasport Flaminio beginning Friday, March 13th.
Dole Rimini earned their place in the Final Four with a strong showing during the regular season, finishing third in their division. The tournament will crown champions in both Serie A2 and Serie B, providing a thrilling spectacle for fans and a crucial benchmark for teams vying for playoff positioning.
Semifinal Showdowns Set to Tip Off
The action gets underway on Friday with the Serie A2 semifinals. Tezenis Verona and Victoria Libertas Pesaro will open the tournament at 5:15 PM local time (3:15 PM UTC), setting the stage for a highly anticipated second semifinal featuring host team Dole Rimini against Valtur Brindisi at 9:00 PM local time (7:00 PM UTC). The winners of these matchups will advance to Sunday’s championship game.
Saturday will see the Serie B Nazionale semifinals take center stage. Elachem Vigevano 1955 will face Verodol CBD Pielle Livorno at 5:15 PM local time (3:15 PM UTC), followed by a clash between Virtus GVM Roma 1960 and La T Tecnica Gema Montecatini at 9:00 PM local time (7:00 PM UTC). The Serie B final will be played on Sunday afternoon.
Rimini Embraces Host Role, Dole Basket Focused on Victory
The Palasport Flaminio is set to be a focal point for Italian basketball enthusiasts this weekend. Dole Rimini, playing on their home court, are hoping to capitalize on the enthusiastic support of local fans. Coach Sandro Dell’Agnello emphasized the honor of participating in the tournament, stating, “It’s an honor for us to be here, because we are a relatively young club and we find ourselves here alongside other historic realities of our basketball.”
Captain Giovanni Tomassini echoed his coach’s sentiments, adding, “The mission is definitely to win. There will be four of the best teams in the league, so there will certainly be great attention, and additional pressure will reach from the fact that we are playing at home. But pressure is part of the sport and can help a player have great games.” Tomassini acknowledged the challenge of replicating past performances but stressed the team’s commitment to building on their recent success.
Brindisi Rematch Looms Large for Dole Rimini
Dole Rimini’s semifinal matchup against Valtur Brindisi presents a familiar challenge. The two teams recently faced each other, but as assistant coach Sergio Luise pointed out, the Coppa Italia is a unique competition. “That game is in the past, and we start from zero,” Luise said. “The Coppa Italia is special: it’s played after two months in which everything has changed, including team compositions or, as in the case of Verona, the coach. It’s a mini-tournament where anything can happen.”
Luise also noted the difficulty in identifying a clear favorite, stating, “I don’t see a favorite or a team that can already be defined as a certain winner.” He emphasized the importance of the home-court advantage, adding that a victory would be even more significant given the opportunity to play in front of their fans.
Broadcast Information and Viewing Options
Basketball fans can follow all the action from the Coppa Italia LNP 2026. The four semifinals and the Serie B Nazionale final will be streamed live on LNP Pass. The Serie A2 final will be broadcast nationally on Rai Sport HD, providing widespread access to the championship game. For local viewers, the Valtur Brindisi – Dole Rimini semifinal will be broadcast on a delayed basis on Icaro Tv (channel 18) at 11:05 PM local time (9:05 PM UTC) on Friday.
Tournament Schedule at a Glance
Friday, March 13th – Serie A2 Semifinals
- 5:15 PM (3:15 PM UTC) – Tezenis Verona vs. Victoria Libertas Pesaro
- 9:00 PM (7:00 PM UTC) – Valtur Brindisi vs. Dole Basket Rimini
Saturday, March 14th – Serie B Nazionale Semifinals
- 5:15 PM (3:15 PM UTC) – Elachem Vigevano 1955 vs. Verodol CBD Pielle Livorno
- 9:00 PM (7:00 PM UTC) – Virtus GVM Roma 1960 vs. La T Tecnica Gema Montecatini
Sunday, March 15th – Finals
- 4:30 PM (2:30 PM UTC) – Serie B Nazionale Final
- 7:45 PM (5:45 PM UTC) – Serie A2 Final
The Coppa Italia LNP represents a significant moment for Italian basketball, bringing together top teams and passionate fans in Rimini. Dole Basket Rimini will look to build on their regular season success and secure a championship title on their home court. The tournament promises exciting matchups and a showcase of talent as teams battle for glory.
The next confirmed action is the tip-off of the Serie A2 semifinal between Tezenis Verona and Victoria Libertas Pesaro on Friday, March 13th. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Coppa Italia LNP and all the latest developments in Italian basketball.
What are your predictions for the Coppa Italia LNP? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Keep reading
