Virtus owner Zanetti says Scariolo is at least the best coach in Europe, if not in the world

At the press conference for the presentation of the new Arena of Virtus Segafredo Bologna, President Massimo Zanetti spoke to the press: “The new Arena is fundamental because Virtus relies on sponsors but also on the public, and for the city of Bologna, which has an exceptional public, having a capacity at this level throughout the year is very important also from an economic point of view. A new company will be created for the construction of the building, the Virtus company remains separate, and is not involved in the management of the building. The building will live off the rents it receives from various sponsors, including Virtus, because logically a balancing act will need to be performed. The Arena was crucial for the Euroleague: I said it also when I introduced Scariolo, I asked him to help us make Virtus a professional company like in the NBA. Professional companies must have a stadium, they must have a structure in order to be competitive in Europe. It should not only be the team, there should be a whole structure behind it. The women’s team is crucial because the city of Bologna has never had a women’s team at these levels that wins titles, it is part of the whole project we have. Now we are in the race, the women have the Italian Cup in Campobasso, I would already be happy if we brought home the first cup we take, then we fight for the championship with both the men’s and women’s teams. The Euroleague? If we win with Real Madrid tomorrow night, we are still in the running for the playoffs. Scariolo has already signed a contract for next year, he remains with us and we will see with him for the future. I am very happy with Scariolo, I think he is at least the best coach in Europe, if not in the world: he is a World Champion, he has won the European Championship 4 times, more than that is difficult to achieve.”