Coach Simone Pianigiani run the last practiced session, at Mediolanum Forum, before the Desio game  against Panathinaikos, a crucial game in the EuroLeague playoff race: “It is the final rush that we expected. Panathinaikos comes off five wins in a row, including three wins on the road and the one in Moscow at the last second. This says it all about their shape and confidence. They are a very physical team, offensively they try to push immediately in the first seconds, forcing the defenses to collapse in the paint. Nick Calathes, who plays half of all the team’s pick and rolls, decides the tempo, so they don’t have many calls, but can create many situations for their top players, against which we will have to fight. Defensively – and this is the most important aspect – Panathinaikos defends on the ball with great aggressiveness. We are normally good at spacing the floor, but against their kind of defense it will be more difficult. I think rebounds and transition points will be decisive. We’ve come to a point where every game is going to be a streetfight”. Unfortunately Olimpia will not play in its usual arena, at the Mediolanum Forum, but in Desio: “We will have a few thousand less fans, but I expect the same help that we had against Maccabi and Olympiacos. People have realized that this team never gives up and appreciates it. However, I see the light, the chance to reach the playoffs. We will all try to take advantage of it together, starting with a win over Panathinaikos “.