Virtus Olidata Bologna vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan Prediction on September 27, 2025

Match info

The Frecciarossa Supercoppa 2025 marks the official curtain-raiser of the Italian domestic men’s basketball season under its new branding. The 31st edition of the Super Cup features a “Final Four” format: two semifinals, followed by a final the next day, all at Unipol Forum in Assago, a commune within the Milan metropolitan area. The match between Virtus Olidata Bologna and EA7 Emporio Armani Milano on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 8:45 p.m. CEST (Central European Summer Time – local time) is one of those semis.

For both clubs, this match carries weight. It’s not just about the trophy: it sets the tone for the season, gives momentum, and allows new or altered rosters and coaching setups to test themselves in a competitive, high-pressure environment. For fans, it’s an early chance to see how transfers, tactical changes, and preseason preparation are actually shaping up. Even though Virtus is the nominal host, the match is held at Olimpia’s home court.

Meeting statistics

Current form & playstyle: Virtus Olidata Bologna

“Black V” enters this season fresh off winning the 2024-25 Italian League (LBA) championship. That gives them confidence, especially in domestic play. However, their European campaign last season was disappointing: they struggled in the EuroLeague, finishing near the bottom of the standings, which exposed gaps in consistency, depth, and performance under pressure.

In terms of roster and tactical shifts, Virtus have made significant additions in the offseason. They’ve brought in new guards (like Carsen Edwards, Luca Vildoza) and forwards (Saliou Niang, Derrick Alston Jr., Karim Jallow, etc.), and younger or fresh talent (Aliou Diarra, Abramo Canka) are being integrated. Their coach is legendary Montenegrin Duško Ivanović.

Style-wise, Virtus are likely to lean on defensive intensity and physicality. They have the kind of roster that can pressure on switches, defend inside-out, force turnovers, and run transition opportunities. On offense, with Edwards and Vildoza, they have potential for penetrative guard play, pick-and-rolls, spot-up shooting, and creating mismatches. But there may be early-season lapses, especially as new players adjust, communication solidifies, and rotations are tested.

Recent form before this match (friendlies/preseason) hasn’t been widely documented, but given their championship momentum, plus active roster renewal, expectations from Virtus will be for a strong start, especially in terms of energy and establishing identity. The best basketball online betting sites are, however, doubtful about their win in the upcoming match.

Recent form & playstyle: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

“Little Red Shoes” are also in a transitional phase. They’ve made several signings in the offseason, replacing key departures, retooling in hopes of improving both domestically and in the EuroLeague. For example, they’ve added Lorenzo Brown, Quinn Ellis, Vlatko Čančar, and others. One high-profile departure is Nikola Mirotić, which matters both for scoring presence and leadership.

Their media day indicates a club balancing experience and youth, trying to improve chemistry and fix some of the issues from last season (especially in European games). Leadership figures in the locker room (like Giampaolo Ricci, Shavon Shields, Zach LeDay) will have big roles in setting standards.

Tactically, Olimpia tend to rely on structured offense, with the hallmarks of the Ettore Messina coaching tradition: disciplined sets, good ball movement, patient attack, exploiting mismatches, using inside scoring and solid midrange, plus some three-point threat. On defense, Olimpia will aim to be tough, but the degree to which they can disrupt Virtus’ guards and prevent transition is likely to be tested. Because of the new players, there may be early moments of disjointedness, but also flashes of high potential, especially if role players step up and chemistry builds fast.

Head-to-head

The teams have met in official matches 220 times. Out of those, Olimpia have won 123 times, and Virtus Bologna have won 97. Virtus have been edging Olimpia in recent big domestic matchups: won three out of the last four H2H.

Match analytics

This semifinal has the hallmarks of a tight, strategic game. Virtus come in as the defending Italian champions and have shown superiority in recent domestic playoff series against Olimpia (winning 3–1 in last season’s semifinals). Their roster is infused with fresh guard play and athleticism, which could allow them to dictate pace and disrupt Olimpia’s structured half-court sets.

Olimpia, however, historically has the upper hand in the all-time rivalry. They remain disciplined under Messina and have retooled with key additions, though early-season chemistry is always a question. If their veterans like Shields and LeDay step up, Olimpia’s balanced offense can trouble Virtus’ defense.

Likely outcome: Expect a game decided in the fourth quarter, with Virtus’ continuity from last season’s championship and their ability to force turnovers giving them a slight edge. A scoreline in the mid-80s for both sides is plausible.

Tip: Total (incl. OT), Over 159.5 at 1.90 odds on Sons of Slots.