Lorenzo Bucarelli is officially returning to the Italian top flight, signing with Apu Udine for the upcoming Serie A campaign. The Florentine perimeter player steps back into the highest level of Italian basketball six and a half years after his last appearance in the division, bringing renewed maturity and an expanded technical skill set to Friuli.
A Long Road Through Serie A2
Bucarelli’s journey back to Serie A spans more than half a decade of lower-tier competition and roster movement. His previous stint in the top division came during the 2019-20 season with Dinamo Sassari, under the direction of head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco. That campaign ended abruptly in March 2020 due to the global pandemic.
In the years following, Bucarelli built valuable playing time across multiple clubs, including Eurobasket Roma, Pallacanestro Cantù, and Victoria Libertas Pesaro, where he established himself as a reliable contributor in Serie A2.
A Different Player in Friuli
Reflecting on his growth since his time in Sassari, Bucarelli noted a distinct shift in his perspective and abilities on the court.
«Mi sento un giocatore totalmente diverso rispetto ai tempi di Sassari. Ora sono più maturo e credo di possedere un bagaglio tecnico maggiore e migliore.
Alignment With Adriano Vertemati
The decision to join Apu Udine followed discussions early in the summer regarding the club’s sporting direction. Bucarelli pointed to the clarity of the project presented by the management and coaching staff as a primary factor in his choice.
The alignment with head coach Adriano Vertemati played a decisive role in convincing the guard to accept the offer, building mutual confidence in how he will integrate into the team’s tactical system.
Proving Ground in the Top Tier
With Pesaro during the previous Serie A2 season, Bucarelli posted averages of 11.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, numbers that underscored his steady production and rebounding strength from the guard position. Now, stepping up to Serie A with Udine, the objective shifts toward immediate adaptation and competitive readiness as the club prepares for a demanding schedule.
The squad has undergone significant roster renewal ahead of the new season, with the primary collective focus centered on reaching peak condition for the competitive opener. Apu Udine is scheduled to make its official debut on September 27 against Scafati, marking the first major benchmark for Bucarelli and his new teammates in the top tier.
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