Nicolo Melli, a player for Milano, spoke before the 13th round EuroLeague game for “Sport Klub.” In this game, Milano will play against Partizan.
The Italian touched on games against Serbia but emphasized looking ahead, stating that the atmosphere in tonight’s encounter will be intense.
“I really don’t know why Italy beats Serbia; even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you not to jinx it. So let’s move on. But every game is different, tomorrow is different and has nothing to do with the game against Crvena Zvezda or the Serbia-Italy game. If this previous relationship helps us, why not? Playing against Partizan is always a special game, an important game. In front of this audience, probably the hottest in Europe. Against a well-known coach and a very good team. It will be a tough game, a double week, and we will try to do everything to win the game,” said Nicolo Melli.
He then commented on working with Zeljko Obradovic and Ettore Messina, who are arguably the most important coaches of the 21st century in Europe.
“Generally, these coaches are in teams that must win every match. There’s no game where they are the underdogs and say it’s okay if we lose. Every game is a game that must be won. To win such a game, you have to be focused every day and contribute every day. This allows players to stay in a team for a longer time. The coach needs that from the players because they help where they want to be.”
Nicolo Melli on American newcomers
“I think there are stereotypes from earlier days. Americans may not like Europe because of the long season. Their season is much shorter. However, Europe gives you the opportunity to see what you can do. Everyone is now watching the EuroLeague, it’s on ESPN, so they watch our games. And what I can say is if you want to play basketball at a high level, of course, it’s a bit different, the rules are different, you have to come here. You will have a career here, and a career here can be as significant as in the NBA.”