Alessandro Gentile and Olimpia Milano, an infinite story

In one of those that historically represents one of the most important places in Italian basketball, few players arouse the admiration of the fans ofOlimpia Milan as Alessandro Gentile. The winger, currently on Scafati’s roster, in fact represents one of the most symbolic captains in the history of the red shoes. An intertwining between the two parts that dissolved after a few years, however experienced in the most intense way possible. So let’s retrace the stages of Gentile’s career in Milan, a few days after his return to the Lombard capital for the umpteenth time as an opponent.

After growing up in the youth team of Virtus Bologna and making his debut in the first team with Treviso, the son of former Olimpia player Nando arrived in Milan in 2011. His debut came in the Euroleague in Belgrade on 22 December, in the 66-game victory against Partizan 72. Immediately afterwards he also made his debut in the championship against Bennet Cantù, a match in which they arrived his first points with the red and white shirt.

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That same year, Gentile became the third youngest player ever to start in a Scudetto Finals match. His importance within the Olimpia project grows further in the 2012-13 season, and at the beginning of the following one he is pinned as youngest captain ever in the history of Milan. Gentile changes role and shirt number, taking the 5 that had belonged to his father. 2013-14 was the year of definitive consecration for him and the entire team. Gentile achieves his career high by 24 points in the Euroleague and leads the roster, coached by Luca Banchi, to success in the Finals. Milan returns to win a scudetto after 18 years, and Gentile consecrates himself as a symbol of the Milanese fans by being rewarded Finals MVP.

This is the period in which Gentile reaches one of the greatest peaks in his career, coming even selected in the 2014 NBA Draft. The second year under the Banchi era, however, turns out to be more complicated than the premises implied. His season was affected by various injuries, and despite his excellent performances in the Playoffs, Milan lost in the final against Sassari. The following year begins with a new coach, Jasmin Repesa, and a new project. However, Gentile’s performances decline in effectiveness. Also thanks to a relationship with Repesa that perhaps never truly blossomed. Milan wins the Scudetto and the Italian Cup, but the attention of European and American scouts towards Gentile begins to wane. As well as his mood and desire to stay in Milan.

At the start of the 2016-17 season, Gentile declared wanting to go and play in the NBA. The job did not materialise, and the captain remained in Milan, winning the 2016 Super Cup against Avellino. The failure to land in America, however, greatly affected his performances and in October Gentile expressed his discontent. In response, Olimpia he revokes his captaincy. After this episode, the relationship is now completely compromised and Nando’s son moves to Greece to Panathinaikos. Thus leaving forever the Milan that had given him so much and received so much from him.

Gentile’s career in Milan was an extraordinary saga of success and talent, however also punctuated by just as many difficulties. All parties would probably have hoped for a different conclusion, which would have further enhanced the path and relationship that linked the player to Olimpia. However, the affection shown to him by the fans over all these years is the most important legacy of what Gentile built with the red shoes. And surely the red and white public will not fail to greet him with due warmth on this occasion too.