BC Roma’s first day of school did not go unnoticed. The main sports and local newspapers on newsstands today devote considerable space to the new Roman team’s training camp, which officially began yesterday at the Giulio Onesti Olympic Training Center in Acqua Acetosa.
The team, still incomplete due to national team commitments and the procedures required for some players to arrive in Italy, has nevertheless officially launched a project aimed at bringing Rome back to the top of Italian basketball. BC Roma will compete in both Serie A and the EuroCup next season, with their league debut scheduled for September 27 and their European opener three days later in Istanbul.
Tuttosport highlights the turning point represented by the start of the team’s preparations: “The engines are running, the court has finally spoken.” The newspaper points out that, after a summer filled with announcements and expectations, it is now time to turn the club’s ambitions into daily work. Among the 13 players already present is Michael Iuzzolino Jr., son of former Virtus Roma player Mike Iuzzolino.
Much of the attention is focused on Alessandro Magro, who is beginning his first season as head coach of the new club. The Tuscan coach spoke about the responsibility of representing a city like Rome: “It’s wonderful to be able to play basketball in Rome, where there is enormous potential.” He added: “We have to be a team capable of representing Rome and the Roman fan in the best possible way.”
Corriere dello Sport focuses instead on the coaching staff, which was present in full despite the roster not yet being complete. Magro will be joined by Edoardo Casalone, Davide Bonora, Emanuele Di Paolantonio and Stefan Ivanovic. The structure also includes Valerio Bianchini, honorary president, and Sergio Scariolo, Special Advisor for Basketball Strategy.
The newspaper also highlights Magro’s relationship with the two prominent figures in Italian basketball. Speaking about Bianchini and Scariolo, he said: “I am from a different generation. They paved a very important road. Sharing ideas with them will be valuable.”
From a basketball standpoint, the coach has set a clear objective: building a recognizable team. “I want a solid and pragmatic team that becomes recognizable for the way it plays. With character and discipline.”
Il Messaggero dedicates an extensive analysis to the birth of BC Roma, presenting it as something that goes beyond simply having a second Roman team in the top division. The newspaper highlights the involvement of Donnie Nelson and Luka Doncic, as well as the project’s long-term ambitions, including the goal of securing a place in NBA Europe in October 2027.
At the center of the story is once again the identity Magro wants to give his team: “We want to create an identity based on the desire to sacrifice, putting a team on the court that never gives up.” The coach also explained: “We want to produce enjoyable and fast-paced basketball, trying to play quality basketball.”
The newspaper also emphasizes BC Roma’s desire to build a relationship with its supporters: “A team that represents the city and that fans will enjoy coming to watch. Rome is bigger than all of us, we will have to earn their support.”
Il Messaggero also takes a closer look at the roster, which includes Nico Mannion, Giovanni Emejuru, Corey Davis, Gerald Ayayi, Erik Stevenson, Trentyn Flowers, Arturs Strautins, Paul Watson, Andrea Mezzanotte, Jesse Edwards and Marko Simonovic. The latter, returning to Italy eight years after his experience with Mens Sana Siena, is already looking ahead to the team’s goals: “If we play well and understand each other, we are a good team and can make it all the way to the playoffs.”
Il Tempo also dedicates significant space to the day, describing it as the “first day of school” for Rome’s two new basketball teams, BC Roma and Maxima. The newspaper reports on the first training session at Acqua Acetosa and the presentation of the coaching staff, while also focusing on the new jersey worn by Magro for the official photo, featuring the 77x logo associated with Luka Doncic.
Il Tempo also highlights Sergio Scariolo’s increasingly important role in the project: the special advisor will discuss the new Roman venture tomorrow. Meanwhile, the “BC Roma SPQR” name is still the subject of discussions with the city government.
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