Stella EBK Roma and Desio Secure Quarterfinal Berths in Finale Nazionale Kellogg’s U15M

The road to the 2026 Italian youth basketball title has narrowed. In a high-stakes series of playoff games in Udine, Stella EBK Roma and Rimadesio Aurora Desio have officially punched their tickets to the quarterfinals of the Finale Nazionale Kellogg’s U15M.

The tournament, known officially as the Under 15 Eccellenza “Trofeo Claudio Papini,” has transformed Udine into the epicenter of Italian youth hoops this week. After a grueling series of opening rounds, the field is now set for the final push toward the championship trophy, which will be awarded this Saturday, May 16.

Desio Dominates College Basketball in Playoff Clash

The highlight of Wednesday’s action was the commanding performance by Rimadesio Aurora Desio, who dismantled College Basketball with a 94-78 victory. Desio controlled the tempo from the opening tip, utilizing a balanced attack to keep their opponents off-balance throughout the four quarters.

The standout performer of the match was Santandrea, who put on a clinical display of scoring. Santandrea finished with a game-high 24 points, shooting an efficient 8-of-10 from the field and 2-of-6 from beyond the arc. His ability to create space and finish at the rim provided the offensive gravity Desio needed to pull away.

Supporting Santandrea was Montrasio, who chipped in 16 points, and De Dominicis, who added 12. The victory was a testament to Desio’s depth, as they managed to maintain a steady lead through a 24-22 first quarter and a decisive 22-16 fourth-quarter run to seal the result.

The Quarterfinal Landscape: Who Remains?

With the conclusion of the playoff games, the bracket for the final phase is taking shape. Desio and Stella EBK Roma join an elite group of teams that had already secured their positions in the quarterfinals. Those teams include:

• Emilbanca Virtus Bologna
• Forlì
• Pallacanestro Varese
• Bassano

For those unfamiliar with the format, the U15 Eccellenza level represents the pinnacle of youth competition in Italy. These athletes are not just playing for a trophy; they are competing under the watchful eyes of national team scouts and professional club directors. Success in the “Trofeo Claudio Papini” often serves as a springboard for players entering the professional youth academies.

Venue Shift: Moving to the Carnera

As the tournament enters its most critical phase, the geography of the event is shifting. While the early rounds and playoffs were split between the Palasport Benedetti and Palasport Vecchiatto, the Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro (FIP) has designated the Carnera as the exclusive venue for the quarterfinals and beyond.

Moving the final phase to a single, larger arena like the Carnera is a strategic move designed to heighten the atmosphere and provide a professional-grade environment for the young athletes. It mirrors the structure of senior-level championships, giving these 14- and 15-year-olds a taste of the pressure and prestige associated with major tournament finals.

How to Follow the Action

For global fans and families tracking the progress of these rising stars, the FIP has made the tournament highly accessible. All remaining games of the Kellogg’s National Finals are being streamed live via the Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro official channels, specifically on the FIP Twitch channel and the Italbasket YouTube page.

These broadcasts provide a vital window into the tactical evolution of the Italian game, showcasing the speed and skill sets currently being developed in the country’s top youth programs.

Looking Ahead: The Saturday Showdown

The intensity will only ramp up from here. Following the quarterfinal matchups at the Carnera, the tournament will move rapidly toward the grand finale. The 2026 Italian Champion will be crowned on Saturday, May 16.

With powerhouse programs like Virtus Bologna and Varese in the mix, alongside the momentum currently held by Desio and Roma, the final four should provide a masterclass in youth basketball. The question now is which team can maintain their composure and physical conditioning through the condensed schedule to lift the trophy.

Next Checkpoint: Quarterfinal matchups begin at the Carnera arena. Stay tuned for live score updates and post-game analysis as we head toward the championship final on May 16.

Do you have a favorite youth prospect to watch in this tournament? Let us know in the comments below.