Virtus vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Police approve EuroLeague game after safety concerns

The EuroLeague game between Virtus Bologna and Maccabi Tel Aviv will take place as scheduled on November 21 for the Round 12, with police approval now confirmed.

Daniele Labanti, journalist for Corriere di Bologna, reported:

“For the Bologna police headquarters, Virtus vs Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball game can take place as scheduled in the city.”

Earlier, La Repubblica had reported that the police formally requested postponing the match until at least mid-December, after the Davis Cup tennis tournament.

“The opinion of Police Commissioner Antonio Sbordone is circulating among members of the National Observatory of Sporting Events (ONES) and is already on the table of Bologna Prefect Enrico Ricci. A decision has not yet been made, but it is certain that the concerns of those responsible for public order will have an impact.”

Police sources warned that in the event of marches or demonstrations, the PalaDozza “would be difficult to defend” and that “there would be a risk of an ‘Udine effect.’” On February 13, during the World Cup qualifiers, the Friuli stadium was sealed off for the Italy vs. Israel match. While no demonstrations reached the stadium, clashes occurred, and the city faced significant consequences.

✅The game between Virtus Bologna and Maccabi Tel Aviv will go ahead as scheduled on November 21.

The Bologna police headquarters has given the green light (source: Daniele Labanti). https://t.co/TOrf9atbyD

— Alessandro Luigi Maggi (@AlessandroMagg4) November 14, 2025