Virtus Segafredo Bologna announced on Thursday that Dusko Ivanovic has been appointed head coach, replacing Luca Banchi. The change comes as the team struggles at the bottom of the EuroLeague standings with a 2-11 record.
Banchi, who joined Virtus in September 2023 after leading Latvia to a fifth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, resigned following the team’s 88-90 overtime loss to ALBA Berlin in Round 13. Virtus has now endured five consecutive defeats in EuroLeague play.
During his tenure, Banchi posted a 20-28 overall record, including a 17-17 regular-season finish in his first year. The team secured a Play-In Showdown berth but missed the playoffs after falling to Baskonia in the second round.
Ivanovic, known for his extensive international coaching experience, brings decades of leadership to Bologna. The 67-year-old Montenegrin coach has managed high-profile teams, including FC Barcelona, Panathinaikos, and Crvena Zvezda.
Ivanovic’s most recent coaching stint was with Baskonia, where he served for the third time before being let go in 2024. His resume includes two Spanish League championships and a EuroLeague Final Four appearance with Baskonia.
Virtus faces significant challenges in turning their season around. Despite their storied history as two-time EuroLeague champions, the team has struggled to regain elite status.
Virtus returns to action next week with a home game against Maccabi Tel Aviv. All eyes will be on Ivanovic as he begins his effort to reshape the team’s fortunes.
