Massimo Zanetti was interviewed exclusively by Alessandro Gallo of Il Resto del Carlino. The Virtus president discussed several topics, from the team and its new sponsor to the club’s future in the EuroLeague and the new arena, as well as his ambitions, regrets and the club’s centenary. Here is an excerpt from the interview.
President, let’s start with the team.
“I like it. Younger, more reactive. Fun to watch. I think it can give us some satisfaction.”
A new sponsor has arrived in the meantime.
“And what a sponsor. I’m really happy with the relationship we have established with Costa Cruises.”
The EuroLeague issue remains.
“Why?”
Is the renewal missing?
“There are another two years of the agreement. You’ll see.”
The new Arena is due to open in December. You had said that, once the arena was delivered, you were considering your job completed.
“The situation hasn’t changed. But in 2027 we will celebrate the centenary. I want to be there.”
Let’s go back to the team.
“Paolo Ronci built it.”
He has your utmost confidence.
“He could have been a lawyer, he could have done anything. Paolo is good: he knows everything and everyone. He has excellent relationships with the EuroLeague. There is a bond of affection. Many teams would want him. He prefers Bologna and Virtus.”
The team has changed, and the budget…
“Stop. I’m a little tired of reading that the budget has been reduced. We have reshaped it. Around young players.”
Mumbrú is on the bench.
“What can I say? I’m very happy with him. I didn’t think he was this good. In fact, I’ll say more.”
Go ahead.
“For the first time, I don’t see any substitutions different from those made by the coach. I like it. And then…”
Then?
“He has created a good atmosphere. Let’s say he has done what my friend Brugnaro did.”
Hackett.
“Enough said. He’s our captain. I’m proud of him.”
Belinelli has taken a different path.
“Yes, but these things can happen. I love him dearly. We wanted him as a player. We defended him, both him and Teodosic, when a coach (Scariolo, ed.) would have preferred to leave them out. He remains part of history.”
Every year you say that your dream would be to win the Italian Cup.
“True. It’s the only trophy I’m missing. To be completely honest, we haven’t won the EuroLeague either. But with the numbers involved in Europe nowadays, it would be impossible.”
So, the Italian Cup?
“No, I don’t want it this year (laughs, ed.). Let’s see if superstition works.”
The Scudetto?
“We’re there. In the sense that we want to compete for it like every year.”
The rivals?
“The usual Milan, then Venezia, and I’ll also say Napoli.”
And the two Roman teams?
“Hmm…”
NBA Europe?
“For now, it’s all talk. If the NBA were to buy the EuroLeague, it would make sense. Otherwise, I don’t think so.”
Virtus and the EuroLeague.
“There are another two years of the agreement.”
And the franchise?
“We’re there for that as well. But we want to talk and negotiate. Virtus cannot be without the EuroLeague. And the EuroLeague cannot be without Virtus. We are the most iconic club in Italy.”
Your biggest regret?
“I don’t have any. But there is one player who, through no fault of his own, did not perform as we would have liked.”
Who?
“Nico Mannion. He came back from the national team completely exhausted. Professor Borghi got him back on his feet. Now he’s playing. And playing well, too. But at Virtus, through no fault of his own, he did not perform as we would have liked.”
The biggest signing of your presidency?
“Easy, Teodosic. No doubt about it.”
Who do you like from the new group?
“Baldasso. I wanted him badly. Many players make mistakes and then become hesitant. He plays with courage.”
Any other regrets?
“None of mine. Maybe there are players we tried to sign who later regretted not coming. And you know what I’ll tell you?”
Go ahead.
“That we want players who are proud to wear this jersey. Then…”
Then?
“I miss Punter. He would have liked to come back. I wanted him. But it didn’t happen.”
Dreams?
“Well, there are a couple of players I would have liked to see in black and white.”
Let’s reveal them.
“We came close to signing Shields and Melli.”
A different level of stress between being an entrepreneur and being president?
“Not really. Even there, perhaps, the two roles are equivalent. I think about games where I might risk a heart attack. Then, the other night, what a disappointment. Always against Milan.”
Virtus were competitive, though.
“Definitely. There was another aspect I didn’t like.”
Which one?
“The refereeing.”
The phantom whistle?
“Well, that play cost us three points. But I’m also thinking about something else in a game that was decided by a couple of points.”
Namely?
“A basket by Carr where, clearly, our player was moved illegally. There was also a foul in our favor. Instead, the referees even gave him a foul for a correct and civil protest. Again, if you consider that we ultimately lost by a couple of points, you can do the math…”
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