BC Roma faces Nutribullet Treviso Basket in LBA opening game

For Treviso, coach Marcelo Nicola’s squad opens its 2026/27 LBA campaign eager to test itself against one of the league’s most talked-about new additions. Tickets for the opening-night fixture have been made available through the TVB Store, online, and via Vivaticket distribution channels.

American Ownership Meets Italian Tradition

The capital’s return to elite Italian basketball bridges high-profile U.S. investment with deep-rooted domestic leadership. Donnie Nelson serves as the club’s number one, with Luka Dončić acting as a central reference figure. The front office further boasts extensive American expertise through former NBA star Chris Mullin and long-time executive Bryan Colangelo, while legendary figure Mike D’Antoni serves on the club’s board of directors.

That transatlantic identity was on full display during the team’s official presentation at the Palazzetto dello Sport, which featured a jersey dropped from the rafters and worn by team captain Nico Mannion, player introductions backed by rhythm-driven music, and a polished entertainment show.

At the same time, the club’s basketball operations rely on a foundational Italian pedigree. Sergio Scariolo acts as an advisor to the organization, Valerio Bianchini serves as honorary president, and Alessandro Magro takes charge on the sidelines as head coach.

“We have great projects and ambitions for the future,” Magro said ahead of the team’s departure for Treviso. “We have continued to grow all week, and we are taking our first step away from home on a tricky court. They have great energy and quality, but we want to put our identity on the court right away.”

Roster Construction and Key Figures

BC Roma enters the LBA with a versatile roster designed to compete immediately and position itself for potential inclusion in a projected NBA Europe competition anticipated for 2027. The squad’s standout acquisition is point guard Nico Mannion, who arrives in the capital following a stint with Olimpia Milano, bringing elite playmaking, scoring punch, and creativity to Magro’s backcourt.

The frontcourt features physical presence in former Chicago Bulls center Marko Simonović, alongside perimeter-scoring forward Andrea Mezzanotte, who returns to face his former club after playing for Treviso between 2023 and 2025. The roster also includes young guard Michael Iuzzolino Jr., whose father, Mike Iuzzolino, played in Italy during the 1990s for Virtus Roma, weaving another historical thread into the club’s debut.

Treviso’s coaching staff features its own Roman connection: assistant coach Davide Bonora played in Treviso from 1995 to 1999 before later wearing the Virtus Roma jersey.

Preseason Momentum and Capital Rivals

BC Roma’s build-up to the regular season featured a successful slate of preseason friendlies highlighted by victories over Ulm and Le Mans. Alongside Mannion and Simonović, guard/forward contributions from players like Ayayi have established early scoring leadership.

While BC Roma takes its opening bow on the road, city rival Maxima—another club shaped by the acquisition of sporting rights—will make its home debut against Napoli. The two Roman sides are set to clash in an anticipated local derby on Oct. 11 at the Pala Eur, a matchup underscored by cultural crossovers that include an official club anthem composed by singer and former basketball player Carl Brave, and Maxima’s association with club symbol Francesco Totti.

For now, all immediate focus remains on the Palaverde parquet as BC Roma officially tests its ambitious project against Treviso’s established LBA standards.