He is the emblem of the derby, he who experienced it on both sides. Cantù-Milan is the match of Antonello Riva, the bomber of bombers. He will definitely watch it, maybe it won’t be in Desio (“I’ll do everything to be there, but the grandchildren are there…”). Certainly, it won’t be a match like many others. “Nembo Kid” takes us by the hand towards the highly anticipated match tomorrow evening in Desio. He is a double ex, protagonist of a controversial transfer.
Riva, Cantù-Milan seems like a challenge with the winner already designated. Will it be like this?
We don’t have to hide. Whoever makes the Euroleague has a huge budget, no one is as powerful as Milan and Virtus Bologna. One might say that it is an unequal challenge, with super competitive quintets.
Everything already written, then?
On paper it is a challenge that does not exist. But it’s a derby. It is “the” game and as such it stands out from all the others. This is to say that the values on the field are reset and an incredible balance could arise. And the result may not be obvious.
What or who could change the state of the art?
The example is easy. Basile is a great prospect, but he is basically a rookie in Serie A and in the derby. If I put him ahead of any Milan player, there’s no contest. Instead, I say that he could be the player who could emerge and give Cantù the victory.
Other factors?
The push of the public in these matches can be decisive. In Cantù everyone lives for the team and this releases a drive that has no equal. And this only happens with provincial teams.
What shouldn’t Cantù do instead?
Be afraid of losing. If it happened, it would be the fifth in a row in a scary calendar, but he won’t have to think about it on the pitch. However, Milan must measure their strength after the commitment in the Euroleague and with a staff that is not very large at the moment.
You participated in the “Christmas Awards”, how did you find the Cantù environment?
I see an underlying positivity in Pallacanestro Cantù. The project of the building which will be ready soon and the clarity in the management of the company are giving certainties that were not there before. Obviously, four consecutive defeats can turn this optimism into fear of relegation.
Perhaps the available roster was overestimated?
I don’t think so, but Serie A has changed and it’s difficult. Cantù can also face a tough championship, he would be willing. The important thing is to be aware of it and that there are no fibrillations.
Is Cantù’s ranking correct?
It’s certainly not pretty, 2-4 points missing. The knockout in Treviso was a bad blow. The derby can give you a scary boost, but also make you fall into despair. However, I would say that it is very early: the distances are very short, two victories can bring the team back to more suitable positions.
Based on your experience, what do you recommend?
You need to have the clarity to evaluate the situation and staff. Meanwhile, I say that Brienza is a guarantee. Even last year it wasn’t all easy, it took him some time to find the balance and he’s still looking for it. No dramas, you don’t need sensational exploits to save yourself: calm advice, which helps to understand where to intervene. And I am convinced that Cantù’s staff is good.
What does it take to change course?
Intervention on the market often helps: in my Canturina Servizi of 2000/01, we were last, we included Damiao, Santangelo and Ansaloni and we saved ourselves. More than anything, however, there is a lot of psychological work to do.
Can Green help?
I think so, but we need to find balances and Cantù has few of them. If he integrates well, he will lend a hand.
What is the Riva derby?
The one that consecrated me, game 3 of the championship semi-final in 1981, which ended after two overtimes: I scored 32 points. Then these days I see on social media a derby that started at Pianella: Milan was coming off eleven victories, in a tense final “Pierlo” throws me, I crush and we win. I’ll put that in too.
And where is it most felt?
For me it has always been nice to live, both in Cantù and in Milan. In Cantù however, inevitably, it is felt more. In Cantù, in the staff and management there is always some Cantù native. In my time, even half the team was from Cantù… Even without doing anything, you manage to convey the importance of this challenge to the Americans too.
Are you still thinking about the famous billionaire move from Cantù to Milan in the summer of 1989? Was it a right decision?
At the presentation of my autobiography, there were many protagonists of that era. Well, I’ve heard four different versions of the figures for that sale. What remains with me, after so many years, is the belief that it was a positive thing for everyone. For Cantù, because with those billions collected he lived well for another few years. For me it was a different and formative experience, because I grew up after the years in the “cotton” in which I was wrapped in Cantù.
L. Spo.
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