Following its home defeat against Castellaneta, EcoJump Messina Basket School travels to face Viola Reggio Calabria in the highly anticipated Strait Derby. Messina sits sixth in the standings, firmly in the playoff zone and two points ahead of the Calabrian side. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the PalaCalafiore.
The yellow-and-red squad enters the derby after an intense week marked by internal discussions and renewed confidence from the club. Head Coach Pippo Sidoti said: “After reviewing the Castellaneta game, I was not satisfied with the officiating. However, we have put that behind us. During the week we spoke openly because we know we also have our responsibilities. We were not built to win the championship every Sunday, but we must always deliver convincing performances.” Sidoti also commented on the atmosphere expected in Reggio Calabria: “I enjoy playing in front of large crowds. It means both clubs are doing something important. For me it is a game like any other, although naturally it carries extra emotion because it is the Strait Derby. Our objectives are very different: they were built to win the championship, while we focus on developing young players. Even so, we arrive with a two-point advantage in the standings, which says a great deal about our season so far.” Viola Reggio Calabria vs EcoJump Messina Basket School Venue: PalaCalafiore – Tip-off: 6:00 p.m. Referees: Calogero Cappello and Carmelo Fiannaca (Porto Empedocle). Away-sector tickets (€12) are available in advance through the official ticketing platform.
