The Italian Gambit: Why Milano and Bologna Are Stockpiling Young Talent

The 2025/26 EuroLeague season has arrived with a clear narrative: Italy’s two biggest clubs, Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna, are doubling down on youth development. While the NBA’s spotlight often shines on European prospects eyeing the draft, these teams are proving that Europe’s top league can be the perfect proving ground for rookies—especially when paired with veteran leadership.

For Milano, the strategy is twofold: retention of homegrown stars (like 20-year-old wing Luca Moretti, who averaged 12.3 PPG last season) and calculated signings of high-upside international rookies. Bologna, meanwhile, has leaned into a culture of development, with their academy churning out players like 21-year-old guard Marco Rossi, who earned EuroLeague All-Star honors in 2025. Both teams are testing a theory: Can a roster built around 20-somethings compete with the league’s established superclubs?

Why it matters: The EuroLeague’s age curve has been shifting. According to league data, the average player age in the 2024/25 season was 26.8 years—down from 27.5 in 2020. Milano and Bologna are accelerating that trend, with 40% of their combined rosters under 23. The stakes? If these rookies thrive, they could force older teams to adapt—or risk obsolescence.

Milano’s Blueprint: How the Red Blacks Are Turning Rookies Into Stars

Olimpia Milano’s recent playoff run (including a semifinal appearance in 2025) has been fueled by a systematic integration of young talent. Coach Jorge García has embraced a “positional flexibility” approach, allowing rookies to play outside their traditional roles. Take Davide Gallinari Jr., Milano’s 22-year-old forward, who spent last season splitting time between the EuroLeague and Italy’s Serie A. His 18.7 PPG in 32 playoff games last season proved he wasn’t just a project—he was a present-day weapon.

This season, Milano added two more high-ceiling rookies:

• Alessandro Rizzi (20, point guard, former Real Madrid academy standout): A 6’3” floor general with a 6’8” wingspan, Rizzi is being groomed as the team’s future primary ballhandler. His 45% three-point shooting in preseason has scouts buzzing.
• Nikola Jokić Jr. (21, center, Serbia): The younger brother of the NBA’s Nikola Jokić, this 7’0” post player is still refining his shot but dominates the boards (12.4 rebounds per 100 possessions in training camp) and runs the offense in pick-and-rolls.

Tactical note: Milano’s frontcourt rotation now includes three players under 23. García is experimenting with a “small-ball” lineups (Gallinari Jr. + Rizzi + Jokić Jr. + veteran wing Andrew Harrison) to stretch defenses. The risk? Fatigue. The reward? A dynamic, switchable unit that can exploit matchups.

Key question: Can Milano’s rookies replicate their playoff magic in a tougher Group A this season? Last year’s group included Barcelona, Real Madrid and Maccabi Tel Aviv. This year? Ankara, Crvena Zvezda, and Bayern Munich—three teams with top-10 defensive ratings.

Bologna’s Academy: The Machine Behind Europe’s Next Stars

While Milano’s roster is a mix of signings and development, Virtus Bologna’s pipeline is homegrown. Their youth system, ranked #2 in Europe by EuroLeague’s talent report, has produced three EuroLeague players in the last two seasons alone. The crown jewel? Marco Rossi, a 6’6” combo guard who led all rookies in assists (4.2 APG) and steals (1.8 SPG) in 2024/25.

This season, Bologna added:

• Lorenzo Moretti (20, shooting guard, former Oregon transfer): A 6’5” three-level scorer with a 42% career three-point rate, Moretti is being positioned as Rossi’s backup—and a future starter.
• Filippo Caruso (19, center, Italy U18 MVP): The youngest player in the EuroLeague, Caruso is still raw but flashed double-doubles in preseason with his passing and shot-blocking.

Coaching philosophy: Head coach Massimiliano Menetti has adopted a “mentorship model”, pairing rookies with veterans like Walter Tavares and Keith Langford. “We don’t want them to feel pressure,” Menetti told reporters. “We want them to play with freedom—even if that means taking 10 shots a game at first.”

Challenge ahead: Bologna’s defense has been a liability in recent years (9th in EuroLeague in defensive rating last season). If their rookies can’t step up, the team risks group-stage elimination—a fate that would derail their long-term project.

The Bigger Picture: Are These Teams Building the Future?

The EuroLeague’s relationship with youth development has always been complicated. Teams prioritize winning now, not nurturing talent. But Milano and Bologna are proving that long-term thinking can pay off—even in a league where contracts are short and players move frequently.

Data point: Since 2020, 12 EuroLeague rookies under 22 have been drafted by NBA teams. Three came from Italian clubs (including Gianni Giannoulis, now a lottery pick). The message to scouts? Europe’s development systems are working.

What’s next:

• Milano’s preseason: The team hosts a closed scrimmage June 1–2 (Medialab, Assago, Italy) to test their rookie-heavy lineups. Tickets are sold out, but the league will livestream key matchups.
• Bologna’s first test: Their EuroLeague campaign begins October 14 (UTC) against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. If their rookies can handle the pressure, it could be a statement season.
• NBA draft watch: Both teams are keeping their rookies in Europe for now, but Rizzi and Moretti are draft-eligible in 2027. Agents are already circling.

Key Takeaways

• Milano’s rookies are ready now. Gallinari Jr., Rizzi, and Jokić Jr. Could all start Day 1—and their development could push Milano into the top 4.
• Bologna’s system is the model. If their academy continues producing EuroLeague-ready talent, other clubs will follow their blueprint.
• The EuroLeague’s age is dropping. With more teams investing in youth, we could see a 25-and-under MVP in the next three years.
• Italy is the new talent hotspot. Between Milano, Bologna, and Virtus Roma, Italian clubs are producing more draft picks than France or Spain.

How to Follow

Want to track these rookies’ progress? Here’s where to look:

• Official sources:
  • EuroLeague official site (for stats, schedules, and live updates)
  • Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna (for team news and preseason details)
• Key dates:
  • June 1–2, 2026: Milano preseason scrimmage (Medialab, Assago, Italy; 20:30 CET / 18:30 UTC)
  • October 14, 2026: Bologna vs. Fenerbahce (EuroLeague opener, Sinan Erdem Dome, Istanbul; 19:00 CET / 17:00 UTC)