Ettore Messina has stepped down as head coach of Olimpia Milano. Following the defeat against Trieste—already the fourth loss in a difficult start to the season—the coach chose to leave, clearing the way for Peppe Poeta to take over immediately. Poeta, who led Brescia to the championship final in his first year as head coach, had originally been expected to assume the role next season. The club’s official announcement is expected shortly.

Messina, who has led the team since 2019 and also served as President of Basketball Operations, has faced a tough stretch, with three consecutive losses between the league and the EuroLeague. He will remain in the organization as personal adviser to President Leo Dell’Orco. Poeta, who returned to Milan this summer with a three-year contract, now steps in as head coach.

In a letter published by the club, Messina explained his decision: “From the first day, I enjoyed working with the team and staff. But I realized I had become a source of division and, in turn, a distraction.” He described an increasingly tense atmosphere, where “every situation became a referendum for or against me,” making it difficult for the team to move forward.

His resignation, he said, is meant to “restore unity” around the team, which has struggled with numerous injuries. Although stepping away from the bench, Messina stressed his commitment to the club: “I remain the team’s first supporter and will continue working alongside President Dell’Orco with enthusiasm.”

He expressed full confidence in Poeta and the technical staff: “If they receive everyone’s support, they will achieve the results we all hope for.” Messina concluded by emphasizing the team’s need for calm and cohesion and reaffirming his availability whenever needed.