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Virtus Bologna: Coaches Sasha Djordjevic and Sasha Obradovic in Pole Position for the Bench After Luca Banchi’s Departure

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After Coach Luca Banchi’s resignation, Virtus Bologna is now in search of a new head coach. The leading candidates are Sasha Djordjevic and Sasha Obradovic.

Virtus Bologna: Luca Banchi’s Resignation

Following Virtus Bologna – ALBA Berlin, Coach Luca Banchi reportedly tendered his resignation. After a night of evaluations, the club will decide on Thursday, December 5, 2024 whether to accept the resignation of the Tuscan coach. As of now, after 13 EuroLeague games, the Vu Nere find themselves at the bottom of the standings with a 2-11 record, while in Serie A, they are currently in third place with a 7-2 record.

Possible Replacements for Luca Banchi

Sasha Djordjevic is the first name linked to the Virtus Bologna bench after Banchi’s departure. Since his exit post-scudetto in June 2021, the Serbian coach has often been associated with the team, although no concrete talks have emerged. Djordjevic’s name is particularly popular with the fans due to his successes, including the Basketball Champions League title in May 2019 and the 2021 Italian Championship, which remains the most recent title won by the club. However, Djordjevic would require a multi-year contract, and there are some difficulties due to disagreements with certain members of the club’s management.

Another name that is gaining traction is that of Sasha Obradovic, the former head coach of AS Monaco, where he achieved significant success both in France and Europe. The Serbian coach, born in 1969, could bring a fresh dynamic to the Bologna environment.

Alternatively, Virtus Bologna might look for an Italian coach. One possible option is Marco Ramondino, who is still available after being dismissed by Derthona Tortona last season. Another internal solution could be Daniele Parente, although both coaches lack the international experience needed to handle the demanding EuroLeague season.

Rumors, Virtus Bologna: si dimette anche il CEO Luca Baraldi?

Coach Luca Banchi and Virtus Bologna

Luca Banchi, who arrived in September 2023 to replace the sacked Sergio Scariolo, had a contract with Virtus Bologna until June 30, 2025. During his time with the Vu Nere, he won the Supercoppa Italiana 2023, and last season, he came very close to qualifying for the EuroLeague playoffs. However, in Serie A, he lost the scudetto final to Olimpia Milano (4-0). This season, the team has faced a defeat in the Supercoppa Italiana against Olimpia Milano, and in EuroLeague, they haven’t won since November 8, with a 2-11 record.