Rimini is set to host the Final Four of the Coppa Italia LNP, and for Pallacanestro Montecatini, the journey to the tournament is being marked by more than just on-court preparation. The team has unveiled a special “Identity Edition Jersey” designed to honor the Valdinievole region, a testament to the strong connection between the club and its community. This isn’t simply a new uniform; it’s a visual representation of a season-long ethos: “TUTTI PER UNO” – everyone for one – that fueled their ticket sales and continues to guide the team’s approach.
The jersey, created in collaboration with Macron and local designer Giacomo Carobbi, aims to carry the spirit of Valdinievole onto the court. It will debut at the Coppa Italia in Rimini, a significant event for the defending champions, and will then be worn throughout the remainder of the Serie B Nazionale season, both at the PalaTerme and on the road. The unveiling underscores Montecatini’s commitment to representing its roots on a national stage.
The design itself is steeped in local history. The front of both the white and blue versions of the jersey features a 18th-century seal from the Podesteria of Buggiano. This isn’t a random choice; the seal incorporates the emblems of Buggiano, Montecatini, Uzzano, Monsummano, Montevettolini, and Massa e Cozzile – representing a historical and symbolic unity of the Valdinievole area. According to those familiar with heraldry, the seal is considered one of the earliest tangible signs of a cohesive Valdinievole identity.
Adding to the jersey’s significance is the inclusion of the Serie B Coppa Italia champions’ tricolor logo, a badge earned through their victory at the Final Four in Bologna last year. The back of the jersey features a unique design element: a continuous chain of words listing all the municipalities that comprise the modern Valdinievole – Montecatini Terme, Monsummano Terme, Pescia, Chiesina Uzzanese, Buggiano, Massa e Cozzile, Uzzano, Ponte Buggianese, Pieve a Nievole, Larciano, and Lamporecchio. This creates a dynamic visual representation of the region’s interconnectedness.
The shorts also incorporate a regional symbol, featuring a lion – the emblem of the club and also present on the coat of arms of Montecatini Terme, the leading municipality in Valdinievole and the city where the club is based. The lion, a powerful and recognizable image, further reinforces the team’s connection to its home territory.
Montecatini’s path to the Coppa Italia has been a demanding one, with six games played in a 20-day stretch between February 14th and March 8th. They enter the Final Four as the defending champions, facing Virtus Roma in the semifinals on Saturday, March 14th at 9:00 PM local time (3:00 PM ET). The team is currently positioned well in the Serie B Nazionale standings, just one loss behind San Vendemiano and two behind Vigevano.
The “Identity Edition Jersey” isn’t just for the Final Four. It will be worn in the team’s home game against Fiorenzuola on March 22nd and throughout the remainder of the league schedule, serving as a visible symbol of pride and unity for the entire Valdinievole community. It’s a statement that this team represents more than just a city; it represents an entire region.
The upcoming match against Virtus Roma in Rimini will be a crucial test for Montecatini. The team is also awaiting the return of Strautmanis and the full recovery of Bedin as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for the playoffs. The top six teams will qualify directly for the quarterfinals, while teams ranked seventh through twelfth will participate in play-in rounds.
For fans eager to follow the action, the Coppa Italia LNP 2026 Old Wild West Final Four will be held at the Palasport Flaminio in Rimini, which recently underwent expansion to accommodate 3,500 spectators. The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, with the final taking place on Sunday, March 15th. The games will be broadcast on LNP Pass and RaiSport HD.
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