Ettore Messina addressed the media representatives after the first-round EuroLeague game between Milan and Fenerbahce.
Milan returns from Istanbul with a defeat of 85:82. The most significant issue is undoubtedly the three injured players at the beginning of the season. Devon Hall, Billy Baron, and Maodo Lo will not be available to the “city of fashion” team for some time.
“I am very proud of the way my team fought. Coming here without several players, losing in overtime, even though we had our chances, I am proud of the character the team showed,” Ettore Messina said.
Milan trailed by a double-digit margin several times during the game, but they managed to find a way to get back into the match each time. In the closing moments, they staged a comeback and took the lead, but the game went into overtime. The additional five minutes were not particularly efficient for either team, with only eight points scored in total. Milan had a chance to force another overtime, but Nikola Mirotic missed a three-pointer. In his first game as a Milan player, he delivered a fantastic performance with 27 points and 10 rebounds.
At the beginning of the competition, the schedule did not favor Milan. In addition to facing Fenerbahce on the road, they will host Maccabi and Olympiacos in their upcoming games.