Pallacanestro Trieste fell 91-81 to Flats Service Bologna during a hard-fought preseason test at the Valtellina Summer League in Morbegno, Italy, according to match reports. Despite playing through a significant physical disadvantage in the paint, Trieste rallied multiple times and entered the final quarter tied before Bologna pulled away in the closing minutes.
The encounter marked the second preseason outing for Trieste under coach Francesco Taccetti. Bologna capitalized on its roster depth and size advantage early, controlling the paint through superior height and weight before Trieste mounted a spirited comeback in the middle quarters.
How Bologna Built and Trieste Erased Early Deficits
Flats Service Bologna opened the contest aggressively, establishing a 24-17 lead after the first quarter behind early scoring from Sorokas. Bologna extended its cushion to 33-19 in the second frame as Radonjic and Stazzonelli found room to operate.
Trieste refused to fold. Canka sparked a perimeter revival, while captain Lodovico Deangeli engineered a 19-4 run that briefly pushed the white-and-reds ahead 38-37. Bologna countered through Morris to claim a 47-41 advantage at halftime.
The pattern repeated in the third quarter. Bologna stretched its margin to 56-44 before Trieste answered with a flurry of long-range shooting from Ross, Emanuele Martucci, and Michele Ruzzier. Ruzzier orchestrated an offensive surge that culminated in a 60-58 Trieste lead, leaving the score deadlocked at 65-65 heading into the final ten minutes.
Fourth-Quarter Decisive Run and Standout Performances
The score remained knotted at 73-73 midway through the fourth quarter as Deangeli kept Trieste in contention. However, Radonjic took over down the stretch for Bologna, hitting a series of crucial perimeter shots to create a decisive cushion that Trieste could not erase over the final possessions.
Radonjic led all scorers with 27 points for Bologna under coach D. Cavina. Sorokas added 14 points, while Fantinelli chipped in 10.
For Trieste, captain Lodovico Deangeli posted a team-high 20 points. Michele Ruzzier contributed 12 points, and Emanuele Martucci added 11 in a balanced offensive effort that highlighted the team’s perimeter resilience.
Coach Taccetti Reflects on Roster Resilience and Youth Contribution
Speaking after the final whistle, Trieste coach Francesco Taccetti emphasized the educational value of the Morbegno fixture despite the physical mismatch.
“We played an excellent game in a context that was clearly difficult regarding the physicality of Fortitudo Bologna’s roster,” Taccetti said. “At this moment we were paying in centimeters and pounds, but all the guys who took to the court, starting from the seniors down to the Under-19 players, made an incredible contribution.”
Taccetti highlighted a specific stretch where five Under-19 players shared the floor simultaneously while maintaining the lead, praising their ability to execute team rules and systems.
The Trieste coach also used his post-match remarks to send condolences to Francesco Candussi following the death of his father, noting that the squad sent its support from afar.
Trieste continues its preseason preparations, focusing on integrating returning veterans and developing rotation depth.
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