ITA - Time running out for Fortitudo

BOLOGNA (Lega A) - Bologna is known as Basket City because of the great rivalry between Virtus Bologna and Fortitudo and their success in both Italy and Europe.

Fans could miss out on the famous derby next season, however, with Fortitudo now staring at the possibility of relegation.

With just two games remaining, Fortitudo are 9-19 and second bottom in the Lega A standings.

The last position of safety is occupied by Solsonica Rieti (10-18).

Fortitudo coach Cesare Pancotto said after his team's 74-64 defeat to Cantu at the weekend: "We missed an opportunity.

“We didn’t have the hunger and determination to win this game. We missed a great opportunity but we cannot look back. We still have two crucial games."

Fortitudo, who won the Italian title as recently as 2005 under former coach Jasmin Repesa with players Gianluca Basile, Matjaz Smodis, Marco Belinelli, Erazem Lorbek, Ruben Douglas and Stefano Mancinelli, finish their season with clashes against Eldo Caserta in Bologna and then on the road against Banca Tercas Teramo.

Rieti are at home against Carife Ferrera in their next game before travelling to Snaidero Udine for their last game on May 10.

Montepaschi Siena are top of the standings at 27-1 while Lottomatica Roma’s home win over Armani Jeans Milano on Sunday has left them in second place at 18-10.

Virtus Bologna, who won the EuroChallenge over Cholet Basket on Sunday, are 17-10 and in third place, Milan (17-11) fourth and Bancatercas Teramo (17-10) fifth.

FIBA