EuroLeague: Their next big test is an away game against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on January 15

BELGRADE – Following a rollercoaster start to the new year, KK Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet is shifting its full focus to Italy. The “Red-Whites” are set to face EA7 Emporio Armani Milan this Thursday, January 15, in what is being described as a pivotal Round 22 clash at the Unipol Forum.

Seeking Redemption on the Road

After a bruising week in the EuroLeague that saw Zvezda fall to both Valencia (89–106) and Zalgiris Kaunas (67–99), the Belgrade giants are desperate to find their defensive identity again. Despite the recent European setbacks, the team travels to Milan with a morale-boosting win from the domestic ABA League, where they defeated Bosna BH Telecom 97–92 on Monday night.

Head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos will be looking for a more disciplined performance, particularly on the perimeter, to counter Milan’s high-octane backcourt.

Key Matchups to Watch

The game features some of the most efficient players in the competition this season:

• The Scoring Duel: All eyes will be on Jordan Nwora, who has been Zvezda’s offensive catalyst since his return, averaging 17.0 points per game. He will likely go head-to-head with Milan’s Armoni Brooks, who has been in sensational form, recently leading the Italian side to a major win over Panathinaikos.

• The Battle in the Paint: Chima Moneke (20.4 PIR) remains Zvezda’s most valuable asset. His matchup against the veteran Zach LeDay (14.6 PIR) will likely determine who controls the glass and the tempo of the game.

• Playmaking: Codi Miller-McIntyre leads Zvezda with 6.3 assists per game and will need to outduel Milan’s Nicolo Mannion and former Zvezda favorite Marko Guduric, who now dons the red and white of Milan.

Historical Context & Standings

This will be the second meeting between the two clubs this season. Milan took the first victory in Belgrade back in September (92–82), meaning Zvezda is looking for more than just points—they are looking to even the head-to-head record which could be crucial for play-in seeding.

Currently, both teams hover around the .500 mark with 11 wins each. A victory for Crvena Zvezda would not only halt their European skid but also solidify their position in the top ten as the league enters its final stretch.

“We know Milan is a very dangerous team, especially at home. They have depth and experience, but we have shown this year that we can beat anyone when we play our brand of basketball. We need 40 minutes of absolute focus.” — Coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos during the pre-trip press conference.

Game Info:

• Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

• Time: 20:30 CET

• Venue: Unipol Forum, Milan