Candussi Addresses Media After Trieste’s Loss to Brescia in Serie A Basketball

TRIESTE, Italy — In a subdued postgame press conference at PalaTrieste, Allianz Pallacanestro Trieste head coach Eugenio Candussi acknowledged his team’s shortcomings following an 85-72 defeat to Germani Brescia in Serie A action on Sunday, April 6, 2025. The loss, which came in front of a home crowd of approximately 3,200 spectators, dropped Trieste to 13-14 on the season and intensified concerns about their playoff positioning as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Speaking in Italian with occasional English phrases for international media present, Candussi took responsibility for the tactical missteps that allowed Brescia to exploit Trieste’s defensive lapses, particularly in the second half when the visitors outscored the hosts 48-30 after halftime.

“We didn’t compete with the intensity needed to win this kind of game,” Candussi said, his voice measured but firm. “Brescia came ready to play physically and we matched it for 20 minutes. After that, we lost our structure. Too many easy baskets, too many second-chance points. That’s on me as the coach to fix.”

The defeat marked Trieste’s third loss in their last four games and left them just half a game ahead of Vanoli Cremona for the final playoff berth in the Lega Basket Serie A standings. With three games remaining, every result carries heightened significance for the Adriatic club’s postseason hopes.

Brescia’s Balanced Attack Overwhelms Trieste’s Inconsistent Offense

Germani Brescia, now 16-11 and firmly entrenched in the top eight, relied on a balanced offensive effort to secure the road victory. Forward Amedeo Della Valle led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 8-for-14 from the field and adding five rebounds and four assists. Guard Luca Vitali contributed 18 points off the bench, including four three-pointers, while center Christian Burns recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Trieste’s offense, by contrast, struggled to uncover rhythm beyond sporadic bursts. Guard Kyle Allman Jr. Led the hosts with 19 points, but shot just 6-for-18 from the field and committed four turnovers. Forward Matteo Imbrò added 15 points, yet the team managed only 38 percent shooting overall and was outrebounded 42-29.

“We had stretches where we moved the ball well and got fine looks,” Candussi noted. “But too often, we settled for contested jumpers or forced drives when the defense collapsed. Brescia made us pay for every hesitation.”

The turning point came early in the third quarter when Brescia opened the period with a 12-0 run, fueled by defensive stops and fast-break opportunities. Trieste never trailed by fewer than nine points after that stretch, despite a late surge that trimmed the deficit to eight with under three minutes remaining.

Defensive Communication Breakdowns Cited as Critical Issue

When questioned about specific adjustments needed, Candussi pointed repeatedly to communication failures on the defensive end, particularly in pick-and-roll coverage and help rotations.

“We’re switching too late, or not switching at all, and then we’re scrambling,” he explained. “Brescia has smart players who read those hesitations and attack the closeouts. We have to be louder, more connected. It’s not just about effort — it’s about executing the system we’ve been working on all season.”

The coach also acknowledged that Trieste’s lack of a true rim protector has been exacerbated by recent injuries to center Michele Vitali, who missed his second consecutive game with a lingering ankle sprain. Backup substantial man Tommaso Laquintana played 22 minutes but struggled with foul trouble, finishing with just four points and three rebounds before disqualifying himself on his fifth personal foul with 4:17 left in the fourth quarter.

“Michele’s absence hurts us inside,” Candussi admitted. “But People can’t use injuries as an excuse. The guys who are playing have to step up — and we have to coach them better in those moments.”

Playoff Implications Loom Large as Season Winds Down

The loss complicates Trieste’s path to the postseason. Currently tied with Umana Reyer Venezia for the eighth and final playoff spot at 13-14, Trieste holds the tiebreaker over Venezia based on their head-to-head series (2-1). However, they trail Vanoli Cremona (13-13) by half a game and are just one loss ahead of Nutribullet Treviso (12-15), who hold the ninth position.

With upcoming games against Virtus Bologna (away), Napoli Basket (home), and Olimpia Milano (away), Trieste faces one of the toughest closing schedules in the league. Virtus Bologna and Olimpia Milano are both locked in the top four, while Napoli Basket is fighting for its own playoff life at 11-16.

“Every game from here on is a playoff game,” Candussi said. “We recognize what’s at stake. We’ve been in this position before — not always successfully — but this group has shown resilience. Now we have to show consistency.”

The coach emphasized that mental preparation will be as crucial as tactical adjustments in the final stretch. “It’s not just about X’s and O’s,” he added. “It’s about who wants it more when the pressure is on. We have to believe we belong in those games — and then move prove it.”

Looking Ahead: Focus Shifts to Immediate Corrections

Candussi concluded the press conference by outlining immediate priorities for the team’s return to practice on Monday. Film sessions will focus on defensive rotations, particularly in transition and pick-and-roll scenarios. The coaching staff also plans to emphasize ball security and shot selection in half-court sets.

“We’ll go back to basics,” he said. “Communication, effort, execution. Do those things right, and we offer ourselves a chance — no matter who we’re playing.”

As Trieste prepares for its next challenge against Virtus Bologna on April 12, the message from the coach was clear: accountability, adaptation, and a renewed commitment to the details that have eluded them in recent losses.

The road to the playoffs remains narrow, but not yet closed. For Allianz Pallacanestro Trieste, the next 72 hours may determine whether their season ends in disappointment or extends into the pursuit of a championship.

Next checkpoint: Allianz Pallacanestro Trieste vs. Virtus Bologna, Saturday, April 12, 2025, 8:00 PM CET / 2:00 PM ET, Virtus Segafredo Arena, Bologna.

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