Italian federation president: 'There's a hostile environment towards me in Virtus' / News - Basketnews.com

Gianni Petrucci says he has no relationship with Virtus Bologna.

Credit: Zuma Press – Scanpix, Virtus Segafredo Bologna Credit Zuma Press – Scanpix, Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Gianni Petrucci, the president of the Italian Basketball Federation, made headlines with a recent interview with La Stampa, referring to Virtus Segafredo Bologna and Bayern's head coach Andrea Trinchieri.

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"After a comment I made about Ettore Messina [Petrucci said that Messina could do everything except for saving souls] that wasn't appreciated in Bologna, there's a hostile environment towards me. I don't go to Virtus Bologna games. Moreover, I have no relationship with the club," he told the Italian media outlet.

Petrucci also shared his opinion about Trinchieri's recent statements on Italian sports.

"He looks like a good coach but he's part of that group of people that believes they know everything," the president spoke of Trinchieri, who a few weeks ago said that volleyball in Italy has more capability to recruit young sportsmen than basketball.

"I respect volleyball, their success, and their recruiting skills. But we're a different thing. We're professionals, they're not. We have to face NBA, they don't. We're different," Petrucci added.

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