By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Early in what was initially expected to possibly be the last season of his legendary coaching career, Ettore Messina stepped down as the play-caller of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Monday.
In an ensuing open letter, the 66-year-old Italian expert also explained his decision, revealing the reason leading to his departure.
“You will forgive me if I express, with this letter—and not through a press conference or interviews—the reasons behind the decision I made today, with a calm and constructive spirit. Since the first day of training camp in August, I have enjoyed going to the gym with the entire team, including the medical staff, physiotherapists, trainers, and the rest of the staff, whom I warmly thank. So, then, you may ask, why leave the bench (but not the club)?
The reason is very simple: I realized that I had become—and still am—a source of division and, consequently, a distraction. Even by committing myself to performing my job as best as possible, every circumstance turned into an opportunity to open a referendum for or against me personally. For this reason (and only this one), I decided to remove a situation that had become a great source of tension for me, and harmful to the team and the club. By eliminating the cause of these tensions, I believe I am best fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to me by Mr. Giorgio Armani and by the club since my first day with Olimpia.
This year, in particular, I struggled greatly to accept the atmosphere, to the point that at times I even hesitated to climb the last steps toward the court. My decision, therefore, has a single purpose: to encourage a moment of unity, creating the conditions for everyone to rally around the team. I am deeply convinced that the group can achieve excellent results, as it has already shown despite the numerous injuries.
I remain the team’s biggest fan, and above all, I am staying with the club to contribute to facing the new off-court challenges that lie ahead. In this regard, I am very happy and motivated to continue working alongside our President, Leo Dell’Orco.
Looking ahead, I am sure that Peppe and the technical staff will continue to work with the commitment and competence that they have always shown. With everyone’s support, they will achieve the sporting results we all hope for. The coaching staff members know that I remain at their disposal for anything that may be useful to them, but I am certain they will guide our Olimpia in the best possible way, which now needs only serenity and unity.”
His assistant Peppe Poeta will serve as the new head coach, starting from Round 13 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season and a meeting with Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv in Belgrade’s Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on Wednesday.
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