Michele Vitali, born in Bologna at the end of October 1991, trained as a basketball player in Virtus, later playing there as a professional in the 2015/2016 season, which ended in a very bitter way for the Bianconeri: relegation on the last day sanctioned by the defeat at PalaBigi with the then Grissin Bon. In the following years the Emilian winger performed well in Italy and abroad with decent performances even in the blue shirt. Since 2022 he has been the standard bearer of Pallacanestro Reggiana, of which he is now captain.
Today’s Vitali, what does he still carry with him from his years in Virtus?
“Apart from the season in Serie A, there I did my entire youth career with Giordano Consolini (now at the helm of the Under 17 Unahotels and close collaborator of Andrea Menozzi, ed.) so I learned a lot on a technical level and in terms of general maturation, managing to manage difficult moments. Because it is precisely when things don’t go the way you would like that you become a better player: learning from mistakes.”
The match against Segafredo will also see the duel with his national teammate Achille Polonara, the other protagonist of this double interview. Does he have a personal message to send him ahead of the race?
“Pupi, prepare the lineup. And he knows what I mean. We are very close, in the national team we often played cards together and shared many blue summers. He is a super person, it will be a pleasure to see him again.”
Regardless of the final outcome, to what extent do you think the two Play-In matches can influence Virtus in their approach to the match?
“They are very strong, deep, well trained, used to playing many games during the week; therefore, even if they have made long trips and played tough matches, they will be ready to face us. I don’t expect them to be subpar.”
What Polonara also has in common is having overcome a complex health problem (in Vitali’s case: paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia resolved with an operation, ed.). The recovery on the parquet was positive. On an emotional level, how did you get over that bad blow?
“These are things that, once healed, strengthen you. When you return to play, they make you love every moment of the match, every training session. You can appreciate 200% how nice it is to be back on the parquet.”
Looking at the Vnere challenge, who has the best aces in their hands?
“At this point of the season the two teams know each other very well. The difference will be made by the details: the loose balls, an extra winning defense, the amount of extra energy that can be put on the field.”
Is there a Virtus player who, this year, has particularly surprised you with his consistency and performance?
“Not surprised, because we’re talking about a true champion. But really, Marco Belinelli, even though many were giving him up too soon, is having an incredible season. He didn’t need to prove anything but he proved those who criticized him completely wrong.”
Gabriele Gallo
