Varese could make a good game in Milan today

Today Varese will visit the Euroleague powerhouse Armani Olimpia Milano and I think this game could be a derby because:

• Luis Scola, an ex-Amani player will be extra-motivated against his former team. For almost the same reasons, Toney Douglas should give as well anything on the court. When great players are meeting amazing opponents they are fighting with more passion, pushing their own limits.
• Varese is a better team now that was the first part of the season. Their roster is complete, with the signing of John Egbunu and they have kept both Anthonys, Beane and Morse, that can help in critical moments. The rotation is larger than ever and this could be seen in the last games won by Varese. 
• The visitors are on the way to the Italian playoffs and they will fight like hell in any encounter.

I think that the handicap +15.5 was too big on Varese and I think even that they have a chance to win. To make a comparison with yesterday game between Real Madrid and Gipuzkoa, there the visitors were simply too weak and had no true leaders. In this case, Varese has a better roster, good leadership and a successful mindset which can contribute a lot to their game.

On the other side, Olimpia Milano is coming after a double round of the Euroleague and next week they will receive Anadolu Efes in a game that can be crucial to secure the home-court advantage for the European competition. Which is huge! That’s why I think Messina will slow down the engine, resting important players.

Image: EuroLeague