PAOK Leaves Metsovo for Udine: Schedule, Personnel, and Rotation Puzzle Ahead of EuroCup

After the training camp in Metsovo, PAOK continues its preseason journey with a trip to Italy – a ten-day plan under the guidance of Andrea Trinchieri. The first stop is Udine, where the Greek team will participate in a memorial tournament for Piera Paglieta, before moving to Milan for training and a match against Armani Milan. This is not just a series of friendly matches; it is the first test for the core that Trinchieri is building, with the return of two key names: Nick Calathes and Cedi Osman. The specific schedule has been confirmed. PAOK will fly on Friday morning, September 4, to Venice, then travel by road to Udine. The next day, Saturday, September 5 at 21:30, they will face host team Udine in the opening match of the tournament. The result of this match will determine whether PAOK enters the small or big final on Sunday, September 6, against either Reggio Emilia or Napoli. Then, on Monday, September 7, the team travels to Milan, where they will train all week before facing Armani Milan on September 12 at 19:00. On the personnel front, the good news is that Nick Calathes and Cedi Osman are both ready to play. This duo has been specifically mentioned by EuroCup, with the statement "we can’t wait to see this duo play." This shows the expectation from the league level, not just from PAOK fans. However, PAOK will be without Bryn Tyree – the only absentee due to arthroscopic surgery. This is a significant loss, as Tyree is seen as an important piece in Trinchieri’s ball movement system. From a tactical perspective, this Italian tour carries more meaning than a series of friendlies. The tournament format with two matches on consecutive days will force Trinchieri to rotate the lineup, thereby testing squad depth and players’ adaptability under continuous match pressure. Facing Udine – the host team – in the opening match is a tough test, as they will have home advantage and high morale in a memorial tournament. PAOK must maintain high concentration to achieve a good result, thereby building psychological momentum before the important preparation phase in Milan. The presence of Calathes and Osman is the biggest highlight. Calathes, with his top-level experience in EuroLeague and the NBA, will be the conductor in controlling the game’s tempo. Osman, with his versatile scoring ability and good physique, will be the main offensive spearhead. The combination of these two not only brings offensive power but also creates tactical flexibility, as Trinchieri can use them in various schemes. However, Tyree’s absence leaves the backcourt without a quality backup option, forcing younger or less experienced players to take on larger roles. Another notable point is that Panathinaikos returns player P. Giannakopoulos to PAOK. This adds another option to the attack, though it is unclear where he will be used. Nevertheless, this is a positive signal that PAOK is gradually completing its core before the season. From a team operations perspective, this tour is not only an opportunity to test professionalism but also a chance for the coaching staff to assess fitness, integration, and team spirit. Trinchieri, who will be in Italy for ten days, will certainly maximize this time to convey his basketball philosophy. Training all week in Milan, one of Europe’s top basketball hubs, will help players get used to high intensity and a top-level competitive environment. However, we must be realistic: this is only the preseason. What happens in Udine and Milan does not fully reflect PAOK’s true strength when entering the EuroCup. These matches are experimental, and results can be influenced by many factors such as fitness, tactical novelty, or even match mentality. Therefore, fans should not be overly happy with wins or overly pessimistic with losses during this period. What matters is how PAOK operates in these matches will lay the foundation for the entire season. If Calathes and Osman find common ground early, if the defense works smoothly, and if bench players prove their value, that will be a promising sign. Conversely, if the star duo cannot connect, or if the offense struggles without Tyree, Trinchieri will have to adjust quickly. A notable tactical aspect is that PAOK will face different playing styles during this tour. Udine, Reggio Emilia, Napoli, and Armani Milan are all teams with distinct styles, coming from a different league compared to the Greek league. This gives PAOK the opportunity to test multiple tactical options, from zone defense to full-court pressing, from fast breaks to half-court play. Trinchieri, known for his tactical flexibility, will certainly maximize this opportunity to build a versatile core. In terms of media, EuroCup’s attention to the Calathes-Osman duo is a positive signal. It not only elevates PAOK’s status on the continental stage but also creates media appeal, bringing more attention from fans and sponsors. However, this also puts significant pressure on these two players, as they are expected to shine from the first matches. Overall, PAOK’s Italian tour is a strategically sound move. It not only helps the team get used to the international competitive environment but also provides an opportunity for the coaching staff to comprehensively evaluate the squad. With the return of Calathes and Osman, along with the addition of Giannakopoulos, PAOK is gradually completing its core towards the EuroCup goal. However, everything is still ahead, and what happens in Udine and Milan will be the first pieces of the big picture of the season. The match against Armani Milan on September 12 will be the final test before the official season begins. This is a chance for PAOK to compete against one of Europe’s strongest teams, thereby accurately assessing their level. If PAOK shows cohesive play, high fighting spirit, and good adaptability, that will be a solid foundation for a successful season. Conversely, if they reveal clear weaknesses, Trinchieri will have time to adjust before entering official matches. For PAOK fans, this tour is an opportunity to see their beloved team play with new stars, and also a chance to evaluate the team’s potential for the upcoming season. Whatever the results, the most important thing is that PAOK is on the right track, with a well-prepared plan and a squad with depth. Let’s wait for the performances of Calathes, Osman, and their teammates in Italy.