A2A Leonessa Brescia’s coach, Marco Calvani, is demanding an immediate reaction from his team following their first defeat of the season, framing this weekend’s provincial derby against Logiman Orzinuovi as a crucial test of character. The team, coming off a 61-80 loss to Siaz Basket Piazza Armerina that ended a five-game winning streak, must respond both emotionally and technically when they face Orzinuovi on Sunday at 18:00 local time at the PalaBertocchi, radiobrunobrescia.it reported.
Looking for a Response After First Defeat
The loss to Piazza Armerina, played in front of over 3,500 spectators at the PalaLeonessa A2A, provided Calvani and his staff with clear areas for improvement. The performance was marked by offensive struggles, difficulties from beyond the arc, and an inability to counter the Sicilian team’s runs. The Leonessa’s frustration grew as the game progressed, with errors compounding as shots failed to fall, even when they were well-contested.
“We come from a performance that was certainly insufficient, we have analyzed the causes, which are multiple,” Calvani stated, as reported by leonessa-brescia.it. “The first aspect must be a reaction, not just from a competitive standpoint but also technical.” His focus is not merely on increasing intensity but on improving the team’s solidity and mental fortitude to prevent a single bad sequence from derailing the entire game.
Focus on Emotional Management
One of the key lessons from the Piazza Armerina game, according to Calvani, is the need for better emotional control. He observed that his players, despite executing plays correctly, were affected by their missed shots, leading to a downward spiral of errors and frustration.
“Sometimes we think players are machines, but they are human beings, and we must always keep that in mind,” Calvani reflected. This week, he has seen a greater level of focus in training, but he knows that on-court performance is the ultimate test.
Derby Stakes and Season Targets
The encounter with Orzinuovi is more than just a local rivalry; it is an important moment in the Serie B Nazionale season. For Calvani, there is no such thing as a good or bad time to face a competitive opponent.
“Our goal right now is to finish the first round in the top two places in the standings, because at stake is the first seasonal milestone, which is to be able to play in the Italian Cup finals,” Calvani explained. With 10 points from six games, Brescia sits near the top of the table, while Orzinuovi, with 8 points, will be looking to bounce back from their own defeat against Assigeco Piacenza.
The Atmosphere of the Derby
“I think playing against a competitive team in a lively environment is absolutely pleasant,” Calvani said. “When we play at home, we are fortunate to play in front of 3,500 people, I believe many Serie A teams cannot do that. For us, it is therefore a source of great satisfaction to know that we are going to play in a packed arena, where we will once again have great support from our fans.” He draws a parallel to performers in any field, from theater to cinema, who thrive on an appreciative audience.
A Personal Return for Calvani
The game holds special significance for Calvani, who returns to Orzinuovi, the city where he built one of the most successful chapters of his coaching career. During the 2022-2023 season, he led the team to a historic double, winning both the Serie B Supercup and the Coppa Italia. This achievement made Orzinuovi the only club in the history of the National Basketball League to win both titles in the same season.
“I feel a sense of gratitude towards Zanotti,” Calvani expressed, referring to the club’s president. “When a president gives you the honor and responsibility of leading his team, it is never taken for granted. I will always be grateful to Zanotti for having chosen me, and I would say that it has been repaid in the best way, because to this day Orzinuovi takes pride in being the only club at the National Basketball League level that has won the two titles awarded by the Basketball League in the same year, that is the Super Cup and the Italian Cup. No one else has ever done it, this for me is a source of great pride.”
What to Expect on Sunday
As the first provincial derby of the season, Sunday’s game is expected to be a hard-fought contest with a vibrant atmosphere. Orzinuovi, playing in front of their home supporters, will be eager to rebound from their recent loss.
FAQ
- When and where is the A2A Leonessa Brescia vs. Orzinuovi derby?
- The game is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 18:00 local time at the PalaBertocchi in Orzinuovi, Italy.
- What was the result of A2A Leonessa Brescia’s last match?
- The team suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 61-80 to Siaz Basket Piazza Armerina at home. This loss ended a five-game winning streak.
- What is the significance of Marco Calvani’s return to Orzinuovi?
- Calvani coached Orzinuovi to a historic double in the 2022-2023 season, winning both the Serie B Supercup and the Coppa Italy, a feat no other club has achieved in the same year.
- What are A2A Leonessa Brescia’s main goals for the season?
- Coach Calvani has stated an immediate target is to finish the first round of the season in the top two positions of Group A to qualify for the Italian Cup finals.
A2A Leonessa Brescia’s next confirmed fixture is the away match against Logiman Orzinuovi on November 8.
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