04/11/2021 at 06:30 CET

Saddened after the bad start against Fenerbahçe who was able to settle with a magical final basket from Nikola Mirotic and the relentless defeat in Tel Aviv, Sarunas Jasikevicius drew attention to the enormous difficulty of Thursday’s match in Milan.

Tied for the top of the Euroleague with six wins and one loss after the first seven days, the equality between FC Barcelona and AX Armani Olimpia Milano is so great that both have the same favorable basket average, +51.

“We expect a very physical and very difficult duel. It is clear that they are part of the best teams in Europe and winning here is always very difficult. They have very experienced players, a coach also with great experience and we are facing one of the great matches of the season & rdquor ;, said the Lithuanian, voted best coach of October by the Spanish Coaches Association. .

It is not without reason, since the technician of the transalpinos, veteran ex-Madridista Ettore Messina is looking for his fifth Euroleague after winning two at Virtus in Rome and two more at CSKA. Indeed, in the past, he has been several times in the orbits of FC Barcelona, ​​even if the contacts have never finished bearing fruit.

Jasikevicius expects a very difficult duel

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Saras explained some dangers of an AX Armani Olimpia Milano which has grown steadily in recent seasons. “We have to be very strong mentally and physically if we are to win. We are facing a large and physical team, with very tall people starting at “three”. Australian we will have to defend the three-point line very well, because they are the best in the Euroleague until. And also play our game and move the ball, “continued de Kaunas.

On the possible additional motivation that the Lombards may have after their defeat to Barça in the last Euroleague semi-final, Jasikevicius is confident that his players will at least match the intensity that can be found at Forum Mediolanum.

“When at this point in the season the two teams that share the first position meet in a game, I think you couldn’t be more enthusiastic. That is why Hope we are very motivated for the game and also that we do not forget to make a good basketball, ”added the beaten coach of FC Barcelona who has his rival this Thursday during his last four clashes in maximum continental competition.