Ettore Messina has officially stepped down as head coach of Olimpia Milano, the club announced Monday, November 24. The decision was made in agreement with President Leo Dell’Orco, paving the way for Peppe Poeta to assume the head coaching role.
Messina, who led the team to multiple Italian championships, Italian Cups, Super Cups, and a EuroLeague Final Four appearance in 2021, will remain with the organization in a management capacity. Dell’Orco expressed gratitude for Messina’s contributions and conveyed confidence in Poeta’s ability to lead the team with determination.
Milano enters the transition with a 6-6 record in the 2025-26 EuroLeague season, sitting 11th in the standings. The team has averaged 83.1 points per game while shooting 52.7% from two-point range and 37.8% from beyond the arc.
Leandro Bolmaro leads the squad with 11.2 points per game, adding 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Zach LeDay has contributed 14.8 points per contest, shooting 47.8% overall and 50% from three-point range. Shavon Shields averages 13.5 points with a 57.4% shooting rate.
Other key contributors include Devin Booker (9.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists), Quinn Ellis (8.2 points, 4.1 assists), and Josh Nebo (9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds) who have helped maintain competitiveness in EuroLeague play. Nico Mannion has provided 4.5 points and 2.0 assists per game, while Giampaolo Ricci adds 5.5 points and 3.6 rebounds.
The team has faced challenges in consistency, alternating wins and losses over the first 12 EuroLeague games. Despite sitting outside the top 10, Milano remains in contention for a playoff spot, and the leadership change is expected to inject new energy into the roster.
