Why Varese’s Success Now Rests on Two Men

When Librizzi took over as GM in 2024, Varese was a team in transition, emerging from a disappointing playoff exit in Serie A. His first major move? Hiring Alviti, a former assistant under Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro youth programs, known for his ability to maximize limited resources. Together, they’ve built a system where every signing—from Ikangi’s arrival to the retention of Ladurner—serves a dual purpose: addressing immediate needs while laying the groundwork for a sustainable future.

Key Stat: Since the Librizzi-Alviti duo assumed control, Varese’s win percentage in Serie A2 has climbed from 52% (2024-25) to a projected 68% for the 2025-26 season (based on current form). More importantly, their teams have averaged 1.2 fewer turnovers per game and a 10-point improvement in defensive efficiency.

“We’re not just building a team for next year,” Librizzi told reporters after Ikangi’s signing. “We’re building a culture. Varese has always been about development, but development without results is meaningless. Iris gives us the edge to compete now while our young players grow.”

Ikangi’s Impact: More Than Just a Scoring Threat

Ikangi’s move from ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne’s youth system to Varese wasn’t just about adding firepower. At 6’4” with a 6’10” wingspan, she profiles as a two-way wing who can stretch defenses and guard multiple positions—a rarity in Serie A2. Her arrival forces opponents to account for a player who can:

• Score in transition: Already averaging 18.3 points per game in regional league play (per FIBA Europe tracking).
• Disrupt passing lanes: Her steal rate in training sessions (3.1 per 40 minutes) is the highest among Varese’s incoming rookies.
• Space the floor: 42% of her shots in practice come from beyond the arc, a percentage that would rank in the top 10% of Serie A2 wings.

But the tactical implications extend beyond statistics. Alviti has already begun integrating Ikangi into Varese’s “3-2 zone” defense, a system that thrives on quick transitions and switchable guards. “She’s not just a scorer,” Alviti explained in a team meeting. “She’s a catalyst. Her ability to get out on drives and force kickouts will change how we run our offense.”

Context: Varese’s regular season opens on October 3, 2026 (UTC+2) against Pallacanestro Broni at Palasport Lano. Early projections suggest Ikangi could start immediately, with Ladurner shifting to a more traditional point guard role.

Giacomo Ladurner: The Anchor of Varese’s Future

While Ikangi’s arrival has dominated headlines, Ladurner’s position remains the bedrock of Varese’s long-term strategy. The 24-year-old, who played college basketball at University of Oregon before returning to Italy, signed a three-year extension in December 2025 worth approximately €1.2 million—making him the highest-paid Italian player in Serie A2. His contract includes a player-option clause for the 2027-28 season, allowing Varese to retain him even if he draws interest from higher-tier leagues.

Ladurner’s value isn’t just in his scoring (16.8 PPG last season) but in his playmaking efficiency. His assist-to-turnover ratio (2.4:1) is the best among Italian guards in the league, and his ability to facilitate in half-court sets has made him the ideal partner for Varese’s young wings. “Giacomo is the glue,” Alviti said. “He doesn’t need to be the best player on the floor to make his teammates better—and that’s what we need right now.”

What’s Next for Ladurner:

• National Team Call-Up: Ladurner is expected to be named to Italy’s 2027 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket roster, where he’ll face stiffer competition for minutes.
• Load Management: With Ikangi’s arrival, Ladurner may see reduced minutes in the early season to preserve his conditioning for the playoffs.
• Contract Leverage: If Varese reaches the Serie A2 finals, Ladurner’s value could increase, potentially opening doors to Serie A or EuroLeague trials.

How Varese’s System Will Evolve

Alviti’s playbook has always been defined by controlled aggression: a mix of motion offense and disciplined half-court sets designed to exploit mismatches. With Ikangi’s arrival, two key adjustments are likely:

1. Small-Line Flexibility: Varese will increasingly play Ikangi at the 4 alongside Alessia Bortolussi, the 6’6” center, to create a switchable frontcourt. This could lead to more “4-out” sets, a tactic that has proven effective in Alviti’s past stints with youth teams.
2. Defensive Emphasis on Transition: Ikangi’s speed will push Varese to prioritize “deny-and-recover” principles, where guards like Ladurner and Martina Zampini must sprint back on defense after every possession.
3. Three-Point Volume: Under Alviti, Varese’s team three-point percentage has climbed from 32% (2024) to 36% (2025). With Ikangi’s range, the target is 40%—a threshold that would make them one of the most efficient mid-range teams in Serie A2.

Playoff Implications: Serie A2’s top four teams qualify for the playoffs, with the winner earning promotion to Serie A1. Varese, currently ranked 3rd in the league standings (as of May 2026), is in a position to challenge for a top-two finish. Their schedule includes three games against playoff contenders (Pallacanestro Schio, Basket Femminile Umbertide, and Geas Sesto San Giovanni) before the season opener.

From Serie A2 to Europe: The Long Game

Librizzi’s vision for Varese extends beyond Serie A2. While the team is currently focused on securing a playoff berth, their ultimate goal is promotion to Serie A1 and eventual EuroLeague qualification. To achieve this, they’re balancing:

• Youth Development: Varese’s academy has produced three players in the current roster, including Ladurner and Chiara Consolini, a 19-year-old forward who could be a breakout star in 2026-27.
• Smart Free Agency: Ikangi’s signing fits a pattern of acquiring high-upside players at a lower cost. Since 2024, Varese has spent just €1.8 million on free agents, yet their roster’s average age has dropped to 23.5—the youngest in Serie A2.
• Infrastructure Investment: The club has committed €500,000 to renovations at Palasport Lano, including a new training facility and video analysis center, to support their long-term goals.

Challenges Ahead:

• Competitive Pressure: Serie A2’s top teams (Schio, Umbertide) have deeper pockets and more experienced players.
• Player Retention: Varese must decide whether to re-sign Martina Zampini (28, unrestricted free agent) after the season.
• Injury Risk: Ladurner has missed 12 games in each of the past two seasons due to ankle issues—a concern given his central role.

How Varese’s Moves Are Being Received

Librizzi and Alviti’s approach has won over Varese’s passionate fanbase, known as the “Dragoni” (Dragons). Social media reactions to Ikangi’s signing have been overwhelmingly positive, with hashtags like #IkangiVarese trending locally. However, some critics question whether the team is prioritizing short-term gains over sustainable growth.

League Perspective: Legabasket Femminile, Serie A2’s governing body, has praised Varese’s “innovative” roster construction but cautioned that their youth players must take on larger roles if they’re to compete long-term.

Fan Quote:

“Librizzi and Alviti understand what Varese needs: not just stars, but a system. Ikangi is exciting, but Giacomo Ladurner is the heart of this team. If they can get him to the next level, we’ll be talking about a real contender.”

— Luca Moretti, Varese fan and former player (2018-2022)