Pallacanestro Varese fans can officially follow their team’s upcoming preseason action in live broadcast coverage this weekend at the Trofeo Basilicata in Matera. The two-day tournament marks a notable milestone for local basketball infrastructure, bringing top-tier Italian Serie A competition to the region for the first time.
Tournament Schedule and Format at PalaSassi
The Trofeo Basilicata – Sport Invaders tournament runs on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, at the PalaSassi arena in Matera, featuring four Serie A clubs. The third-place playoff is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, at 5:00 p.m. local time, with the tournament final tipping off at 7:00 p.m. local time.
Institutional Stakes and Regional Impact
Local organizers have emphasized the broader economic and social significance of hosting a top-tier men’s basketball tournament in the area. Giovanni Lamorte, president of the regional committee for the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP), noted that organizing a four-team tournament featuring Serie A squads in Basilicata represents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase high-level competitive play locally. Similarly, Coni Basilicata president Giovanni Salvia pointed to the event as a vehicle for social, sporting, and territorial promotion. Giuliano Paterino, the sports assessor for the Municipality of Matera, highlighted that bringing high-profile athletic events to the city helps support local commercial enterprises and welcomes families into sports facilities.
High-Profile Guests and Special Appearances
The weekend showcase will also feature prominent figures from Italian and international basketball. According to tournament announcements, former Argentine star Luis Scola—among the most important players of his generation—and storico ex allenatore Valerio Bianchini are scheduled to attend as special guests, adding significant historical and developmental weight to the preseason competition.
