**Basket Serie A – This evening at 8 pm Openjobmetis returns in front of the Masnago audience. After the latest disappointments, the Red Whites seek redemption against a talented Rome led by the former Nico Mannion.**
*by Fabio Averna – 24 October 2026*
**VARESE –** It is not yet the time for alarms, but the time for answers is. Openjobmetis Varese returns tonight to the parquet floor of the Itelyum Arena to face BC Roma in advance of the fifth day of the Serie A 2026/2027 championship. Two-way ball at 8 pm, in a challenge that puts two formations in front of each other in search of certainties.
The team coached by Ioannis Kastritis arrives at the appointment after two defeats that left a lot of bitterness in their mouths. First the European misstep against Peristeri, then the setback on the field in Trento, where the Red Whites made an important comeback before surrendering for 87-85.
Two different matches, united by the feeling that this Varese is still missing something to turn efforts into results.
## A Varese that must learn to win
The problem is not just losing, but the way some games get out of hand. Against Trento, Varese proved to have character, managing to call into question a race that seemed compromised. The reaction, however, was not enough.
We need more clarity in the decisive possessions, a more careful management of the ball and above all defensive continuity for all forty minutes.
Kastritis knows that the time to find balance is not infinite. The championship runs fast and every opportunity left on the street is likely to weigh when it comes time to deal with the standings.
The balance of two victories and two defeats tells the story of a team still in search of its definitive identity.
## Rome, an explosive attack but a vulnerable defence
On the other side comes a BC Roma that, despite only one victory in the first four days, has considerable offensive potential.
The capitolini coached by Alessandro Magro travel to almost 99 points scored per game, the best figure in the championship. A formation capable of accelerating, hitting from the goal and building opportunities through good ball circulation.
But there is also the other side of the coin: Rome awards almost 95 points per match. A defensive fragility that Varese will have to try to exploit, but without falling into the temptation of turning the challenge into an uncontrolled race.
The comparison could be decided right here: in the ability of the red-white to impose intensity without losing order.
## Nico Mannion’s return to Masnago
Among the most anticipated protagonists is certainly Nico Mannion, former red-and-white playmaker today at the helm of the Roman attack.
His return to Varese adds a reason for interest to an already important match for both teams. Arturs Strautins, another player who knows the Varese environment well, also returns as an opponent.
Also pay attention to Kelly Olynyk, a Canadian with a long NBA experience, capable of giving quality, vision of the game and offensive danger even away from the basket.
For Varese, it will be essential to avoid that the individual talent of the opponents finds space and rhythm from the very first beats.
## Red-white emergency, but no alibi
Openjobmetis will still have to do without Amedeo Della Valle and William McDowell-White, two absences that weigh above all in the construction of the game and in the rotations of the outsiders.
Kastritis will then be called upon to find alternative solutions, asking for an important contribution from the whole group.
Meanwhile, the wait grows for Ismaël Kamagate, still committed to recovering his best condition after the injury. Its progressive insertion could guarantee greater physical presence, iron protection and rebounds.
Without two important elements, the answer will have to come from the collective, with shared responsibilities and greater attention to detail.
## Masnago must make a difference again
The Itelyum Arena can be a deciding factor. The Varese public knows the value of these matches and knows how much a victory can change the climate around the team.
It won’t just be a matter of points in the standings. For Varese, it is about regaining confidence, enthusiasm and the conviction necessary to face a calendar that does not allow breaks.
In fact, another important event in the Basketball Champions League will arrive on Tuesday, on the Bamberg pitch.
But before Europe there is Rome. And before thinking about the future, Varese must focus on the present.
**You won’t need a perfect match tonight. We will need a team capable of fighting, staying united and above all not wasting opportunities. Because good performances give hope, but victories change a season.**
—
### Varese – BC Rome: game information
– **Competition:** Serie A LBA 2026/2027, fifth day
– **Date:** Saturday, October 24, 2026
– **Time:** 20:00
– **Palazzetto:** Itelyum Arena, Masnago (Varese)
– **Coaches:** Ioannis Kastritis – Alessandro Magro
– **Live:** free streaming on LBA TV, upon registration
**AISportNews.it – Fabio Averna**
Written by Fabio Averna
Article produced by the AiSportNews newsroom with the support of artificial intelligence tools.