Virtus Bologna hosts Žalgiris Kaunas at the PalaDozza on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 20:30 local time (CET), with both teams entering the eighth round of the EuroLeague season carrying contrasting historical records against each other. The game will air live on Sky Sport, Now, and Nettuno Bologna Uno, with Carlos Peruga, Jakub Zamojski, and Ioannis Tiganis assigned as the referees.
PalaDozza Welcomes a Continental Double Round After the Derby
The fixture marks the start of the season’s third double round in continental play. Virtus returns to its home floor after a week on the road that culminated in a comeback victory in the Italian Derby. 1000cuorirossoblu.it reported that the win provided significant momentum for the squad, though head coach Alex Mumbrú’s group has little time to celebrate before welcoming the Lithuanian club to Piazza Azzarita.
Virtus sits with four wins and three losses through seven continental fixtures, having dropped its most recent EuroLeague outing on the road against Hapoel Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Žalgiris arrives in Bologna following a playoff appearance last season, after an offseason roster overhaul that brought high-profile talent to the Baltic club.
Valančiūnas and Edwards Lead the Kaunas Roster
The visiting side features Jonas Valančiūnas, who returned to European basketball following a lengthy career in the NBA. 1000cuorirossoblu.it noted that the Kaunas roster also includes Carsen Edwards, who previously spent time in Bologna. Coach Mumbrú highlighted the tactical challenge posed by the visitors during his pre-match press conference.
We know that Žalgiris will come here to win; they are a high-level team with Valančiūnas being one of the most important players in the EuroLeague,
Mumbrú said, according to emiliaromagnasport.com. The team believes a lot in him, in his qualities, and in his low-post game. We will therefore have to be ready defensively on him but also on the rest of the team.
Zalgiris Holds Historical Advantage over Virtus
Historical precedent heavily favors the visitors in this fixture. Mumbrú pointed out that, with the sole exception of a victory during the previous season, Virtus has historically dropped every matchup against Žalgiris.
Statistical metrics underline the physical nature of Wednesday’s contest, as both teams excel on the offensive glass. 1000cuorirossoblu.it reported that Virtus averages 14.4 offensive rebounds per game, while Žalgiris pulls down 13.3, making second-chance points a primary battleground at the PalaDozza.
Discipline and Roster Availability on the Eve of Tipoff
Virtus Kevin Kokila emphasized the need for steady execution against a talented visiting lineup that also features Tubelis alongside Edwards and Valančiūnas. emiliaromagnasport.com reported that Kokila stressed the importance of maintaining focus throughout all four quarters.
There are many things we will need to do well tomorrow night against Žalgiris, because we are playing against a team that has many strong and talented players like Carsen Edwards, Valančiūnas, and Tubelis just to name a few,
Kokila said. Our goal will be to step onto the court with discipline from start to finish because we are a team that—as we demonstrated in Milan—can also come back from a negative partial score.
On the injury front, Virtus will be without Tommaso Baldasso. The club confirmed that Baldasso remains unavailable due to the lingering effects of a right knee contusion, with his condition subject to daily evaluation.
Medical Partnership Renovation Ahead of Tipoff
Beyond the court, Virtus Bologna announced the renewal of its partnership with Clinica Privata Villalba for the 2026–27 season. emiliaromagnasport.com reported that the GVM Care & Research multispecialty clinic enters its tenth year as an official sponsor of the black-and-white club. The agreement provides comprehensive medical diagnostics and health support for the first-team roster, with club executives and players Momo Diouf and Kevin Kokila attending the formal announcement.
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