Euroleague: Messina expects big from Sergio Rodriguez

With Datome, Melli, Delaney and Kell all out with injuries, Olimpia Milano will need a great performance from Sergio Rodriguez against Istanbul.

Ettore Messina said it in the wake of Game 2, Milano will need a “miracle.” Maybe this miracle can be Spanish guard Sergio Rodriguez. Even though he has sprained his ankle during the last game, he will be the leader of Ettore Messina’s side for the third game of series with Efes istanbul.

“Our situation is well known. As far as injured players, we can only hope to extract some minutes from Sergio Rodriguez,.Other than that, we’ll try to control the rebounds and their great shooters, well aware that this game is realistically an extremely difficult one.“

Ettore Messina, Olimpia Milano coach

💫El Chacho 💫@SergioRodriguez was key in the Game 2 victory to tie the series!

Expecting more magic in Game 3? 👀🪄#EveryGameMatters pic.twitter.com/0WwU2vty0b

— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) April 26, 2022

List of injured players from Milan:

• Luigi Datome (knee)
• Malcolm Delaney (abdomen)
• Trey Kell (leg)
• Nicolo Melli (calf)
• Konstantinos Mitoglou (doping)

On Istanbul side, Ettore Messina has been identified as Milano’s main threat.

“Our opponents are missing key players but Ettore Messina is a basketball genius, we have left our mark the last three years. We have succeeded together and will succeed again. We will be the champions.”

Ergin Ataman, Efes Istanbul coach

The defending champions will be looking to preserve the homecourt advatage stolen in Game 1 after an impressive defensive display.

Next Game: Efes Istanbul (1) – Olimpia Milano (1) on April 26, 7:30 P.M CET

Photo: Kyle Hines (Euroleague)