Piombino, Italy – The Dolomiti Energia Trentino Under 17 basketball team has arrived in Tuscany to compete in the 35th edition of the Coppa Carnevale – Memorial Ivo Biagi, a historically significant and highly competitive youth tournament. Play began today, March 24, 2026, and will continue through Saturday, March 28th.
The Trentino squad, known as the bianconeri, has been placed in Group A, where they will vie for a spot in the tournament’s final phase. Their opening game is scheduled for tonight at 9:30 PM local time (CET) against the host team, Pallacanestro Piombino. For those following from other time zones, that’s 3:30 PM Eastern Time and 12:30 PM Pacific Time.
Coach Bertoni’s team – or a member of the Trentino technical staff – will continue their group play schedule on Wednesday at 6:15 PM against Firenze, and conclude the first round on Thursday evening at 9:00 PM against VIS Ferrara. The tournament format dictates that the top two teams from each group will advance to crossover semifinals on Friday, with the championship and third-place games taking place on Saturday.
Trentino has bolstered its roster for the Coppa Carnevale with the addition of two players: Nicolò Pacere, who joins the team from Fortitudo Francavilla, and Moses Osas, a promising prospect from Bellaria Basket and Juve Pontedera. These additions are expected to provide a boost as the team navigates the challenging competition.
Fans wishing to watch the games can find a live stream on the YouTube channel of ASD Pallacanestro Piombino. ASD Pallacanestro Piombino YouTube Channel
The Coppa Carnevale holds a special place in the Italian youth basketball landscape. Established decades ago, the tournament consistently attracts some of the nation’s most talented young players and serves as a crucial development opportunity. The Memorial Ivo Biagi portion of the tournament’s name honors a significant figure in the history of Italian basketball, adding to the event’s prestige.
This tournament comes on the heels of several national team call-ups for Trentino players. Barra and Triggiani were recently selected for the Italian Under 18 National Team to compete in the Torneo di Mannheim, while Alba has been chosen to represent Italy at the Under 17 level. Ilardi and Pasquazi have earned spots on the Under 16 national team roster, demonstrating the strength of the Dolomiti Energia Trentino basketball academy’s development program.
The addition of Pacere and Osas to the roster adds further depth and versatility to the team. Pacere’s experience with Fortitudo Francavilla will be valuable, while Osas represents an exciting young talent with potential for significant growth. How quickly these players integrate into the team’s system will be a key factor in Trentino’s success in Piombino.
Looking ahead, the team’s next challenge will be navigating the group stage and securing a favorable position for the knockout rounds. The competition is expected to be fierce, with several other strong teams participating, including Olimpia Milano and Derthona, as noted on the tournament’s Facebook page. Coppa Carnevale Piombino Facebook Page
The Dolomiti Energia Trentino Under 17 team’s participation in the Coppa Carnevale represents a significant opportunity for these young players to showcase their skills on a national stage. The tournament provides a valuable platform for development and exposure, and the team will be looking to make a strong impression in Piombino. Fans can follow the team’s progress throughout the week via the ASD Pallacanestro Piombino YouTube channel and updates from the Dolomiti Energia Basketball Academy’s Facebook page. Dolomiti Energia Basketball Academy Facebook Page
The team will continue its Coppa Carnevale journey with tomorrow’s match against Firenze. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and analysis as the tournament progresses.
