«Olimpia, a Scudetto beyond the difficulties. Football? Basketball is better, we represent all of Milan»- Corriere.it

MILAN In the souvenir photo, held in a big hug by his players in red celebratory t-shirts, Giorgio Armani he smiles happily with the cup of the third star in his hands. But the symbolic image of the Milanese evening will remain the one that portrays Mr. Giorgio, as his collaborators affectionately call him, surrounded by the other two creators of the Scudetto, the coach-manager Ettore Messina and the club president Leo Dell’Orco. In your hands the tricolor flag. A historic collaborator of Armani for almost 50 years, Dell’Orco is the most exuberant part of the supporters of the property but, even if it doesn’t seem like it, the two compete to see who they support the most. And now they are enjoying their team’s thirtieth championship together. Mission accomplished.

What sensations did this Scudetto give you?



Armani:
«It was a complicated season, we had many injuries and some empty passes, some moments of discouragement. Winning after so many problems makes me happy because it means that we have built a working group that does not give in to difficulties, knows how to stick together and has reached a very important goal. I am proud to be the owner of this team and to be awarded the third star. Olimpia is a special club, not only in basketball and not only in Italy».

The winning weapons?



Dell’Orco:
«The ability not to give up in the face of the difficulties that have arisen, and to want victory. A strong sense of belonging and trust in the work done».

How is your relationship with Ettore Messina?




Dell’Orco: “It could not be better. It is based on esteem, great respect, also as regards the human aspect, and trust. In these four years he has built not only a team, but a culture based on strong values, which are the same ones we cultivate in the Armani Group ».

Armani: «I don’t intervene on technical issues, on those the expert is Leo and my trust in him is total. When I talk to the coach I do it on strategic issues, on how we can improve and strengthen the team and the values ​​it expresses. The harmony is total, we understand each other on the fly».

What do you like about Messina?



Dell’Orco:
«Both Giorgio and I, as well as the players and his collaborators, are aware that Ettore is very demanding with others, but first of all with himself. Everything he expresses is in the interest of the team and the club. His commitment is very great, his character is sanguine, but genuine. I like total dedication to work. And then we are a real family and in good families, defects, if there are any, become strengths».

When you talk about basketball and Olimpia with President Dell’Orco, what topics do you address?



Armani:
«We talk about the players, the opponents, the enthusiasm of the public which makes me happy. There has been some exaggeration recently, but we are the club that has the most spectators, plays the most matches and is generally more fair, as the victories in the Discipline Cup in the past indicate. Here, let’s talk about this.”

Who are the players that Giorgio Armani follows with the most attention and sensitivity?



Armani:
«I follow them all, because the team is a group and they all deserve attention. And then we play such a number of games that all the boys take the field during the season. Obviously Nicolò Melli has been with us since he was a boy and now he is a grown man and the captain. I know him better for that.”

Does the supremacy of Milan and Bologna, and consequently their duel, enhance Italian basketball or limit it?



Dell’Orco:
«There are many strong realities, which are underestimated. Brescia won the Coppa Italia with merit. Tortona is always among the best, even if it has recently arrived in Serie A. Sassari and Venice are competitive. I wouldn’t talk about the supremacy of two teams, even if Bologna is our most constant opponent».

Did you talk to Massimo Zanetti, Mr. Segafredo, owner of Virtus Bologna?



Armani:
«I guess we share the same passion for basketball and for our teams. But no, we have never confronted each other and I would gladly do it ».

Why basketball, the second most popular sport in Italy, fails to make it on TV? Volleyball, for example, is much more popular.



Dell’Orco:
«He is underestimated not only by TV but also by the newspapers. When we go away, I see sold out arenas everywhere and great enthusiasm. When we are in Milan, people show affection, competence and passion. This year we had an average of 9,400 spectators in the Euroleague and almost as many in the championship, in the playoffs we practically always filled the Forum. Rather, it is I who ask you why all this is not given a wider space».

Mr Armani, you are much loved by the Olimpia fans. In Milan they dote on her. How did this beautiful and generous relationship come about?



Armani: «I took over Olimpia when she was in trouble for an act of love. People understood that we share the same passion, which is strong, emotional and above all pure».

Is Olimpia’s future guaranteed and planned?



Armani:
«Olimpia is now part of my life and my family».

Why has Milan failed to break through in the Euroleague this year?



Dell’Orco:
«We have had injuries, vicissitudes and also bad luck. In the Euroleague the competition is very tough and to get ahead you must also have a pinch of good luck on your side. But when you have problems, that’s where you see the real teams and real clubs, and we were. I’m proud of that.”

The Armani Group invests heavily in Italian sport, dresses the national teams, shows great sensitivity and attention to the Paralympic world. Can you explain this love for sport to us?



Armani:

«Sport is enthusiasm and passion, it is a young world in which I have always felt at ease. I like the values ​​that are at the base and that I have always shared and if I can collaborate and contribute I am ready».

On a practical level, what sportsman is Giorgio Armani?



Armani:
«I like to keep fit with daily exercise and a balanced diet. I have always believed in the saying “mens sana in corpore sano’”».

Let’s talk about football, both Milan and Inter changed ownership after the Berlusconi and Moratti managements: have you ever been tempted by football? A little thought to Inter? At Milan? Never done?



Armani:
«I support both teams in Milan and I am proud when they manage to establish themselves internationally. But my favorite sport is and remains basketball and the fact that Olimpia unites the whole city of Milan under a single flag is wonderful. When we go on the field we know we represent all of Milan, not just a part».