Virtus Bologna president Massimo Zanetti has detailed the inner workings of his tenure, addressing past transfer regrets, roster decisions, and the club’s ongoing ambitions in European basketball. In a wide-ranging interview published by Il Resto del Carlino, the Italian executive traced key turning points from marquee signings to near-misses in the transfer market.
Massimo Zanetti Reflects on Virtus Bologna Tenure and Market Regrets
Zanetti pointed to Miloš Teodosić as the most important acquisition of his presidency. He also discussed the legacy of Marco Belinelli, who recently departed the club, noting that management defended both players during periods when a technician would have preferred to exclude them. Among missed opportunities, Zanetti revealed that Kevin Punter had wanted to return to Bologna, though a deal failed to materialize. The club also came close to securing agreements with Shavon Shields and Nicolò Melli during previous transfer windows.
Nico Mannion Recovery and Roster Decisions Under Zanetti
Addressing past roster complications, Zanetti discussed Nico Mannion, whose time in Bologna failed to meet expectations. The club president clarified that the player’s struggles were not his fault, explaining that Mannion returned from the national team destroyed. Following treatment overseen by Professor Borghi, Mannion recovered his form, though his stint in Bologna remained underwhelming.
Within the current squad, Zanetti highlighted Tommaso Baldasso as a player he wanted strongly. Praising Baldasso’s mental resilience, the president noted that many players make mistakes and then hesitate, whereas Baldasso plays with courage.
Virtus Bologna Secures EuroLeague Participation for Two Seasons
Looking ahead at continental competition, Zanetti confirmed that Virtus Bologna has secured its EuroLeague participation for the next two seasons through an ongoing agreement. Regarding a potential permanent license, the club president stated that Virtus is actively engaged in discussions, asserting that the team belongs in the top-tier competition given its status as an iconic Italian club.
Zanetti adopted a more skeptical stance toward ongoing speculation surrounding an NBA Europe initiative. He dismissed the concept as premature conversation, suggesting that a serious discussion would only arise if the National Basketball Association acquired the EuroLeague outright.
Controversial Officiating Follows Defeat to Olimpia Milano
The Virtus president also addressed the team’s recent loss to Milano, pointing to specific refereeing decisions that he argued altered the outcome. Zanetti highlighted an unchallenged play involving Marcus Carr, stating that the player was illegally displaced during a basket attempt without a foul being called in Virtus’ favor. According to Zanetti, officials subsequently penalized Carr for calm and correct protests, compounding an officiating margin that ultimately decided a narrow final score.
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