ITA - Pillastrini decides to leave Premiata

MONTEGRANARO (Lega A) - Premiata Montegranaro coach Stefano Pillastrini has left the Lega A outfit because they do not have the financial might to compete for a top five finish.

The 45-year-old, who spent three and a half years in charge of the team, said: "It has been a very difficult decision, but it was necessary.

"Certainly, to coach Premiata Montegranaro made me very proud, but my desire to coach a team capable fighting for the Scudetto has been my main target for a while.

"I spoke to the managerial staff about my feelings and they were honest, saying it was impossible for them to build a team on the horizon to win the championship."

Pillastrini led Premiata to promotion and this season - their first in the top flight - they almost made the play-offs but finish ninth with only the top eight sides securing post-season places.

"I'm leaving a very healthy club," he said, "with a lot of promising young players, and whoever replaces me can be only proud to coach this fantastic team."

Among the most talented players at Premiata is 26-year-old center Valerio Amoroso, who is currently in Carlo Recalcati's experimental side that just won the Adriatic Tournament with victories over the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Croatia.

Another is Luca Vitali, a 21-year-old guard who played in 33 of Premiata's 34 regular-season games.

FIBA