Match Preview
Verona spent three years playing in the Italian tier-two division and are now back among the elite, ready to cause some upsets. Milano are currently at four wins in six appearances across competitions.
Verona Facing a Tough Return to the Top Flight
Verona earned promotion to the Italian top flight last season, outplaying Rimini 3-1 in the final playoff series in mid-June.
Their pre-season results haven't been great, though, starting the preparations with an 88-86 victory against Cantu, but then suffering back-to-back defeats to top-tier sides Trento 86-78 and Reggiana 77-69.
Verona were tagged as massive underdogs in the Lega A opening round last weekend against Tortona, but offered good resistance, entering the final quarter with a one-point deficit but ultimately losing 101-93. Mike Tobey had an amazing showing here with 19 points (8/11 FG shooting) and 11 rebounds.
Milano Balancing Domestic Success With EuroLeague Demands
Milano earned back-to-back victories against Virtus Bologna 80-71 and Venezia 94-87 to lift the Italian Super Cup two weeks ago, while also opening the new Lega A season with an 83-79 home win over Trieste last weekend.
Their EuroLeague campaign started with a disappointing 92-76 defeat to Partizan in Belgrade, but they managed to bounce back and edge Virtus Bologna 87-85 at home earlier this week. Veteran Marko Guduric was the top scorer with 14 points, landing some clutch shots.
Milano failed to connect, though, and haven't shown much against Baskonia in the third round, registering an 86-76 defeat in Spain on Friday, where they were at just 38% shooting (allowed 55% to the opposition). Devon Hall demonstrated good form, though, with 12 points and 12 assists.