This match comes down to a settled team against a team that is still being built. Udine kept their coach and their system from a solid season, and the new players are fitting into a structure that already works. Cantù have a new coach and an almost completely new roster, and so far it shows. Two games into a season, I trust the team that already knows what it is doing.
Over the summer Cantù replaced Walter De Raffaele with Frank Vitucci and turned over nearly the whole roster. They lost every preseason game, including a 66-93 beating at home by Venezia. Then they lost their league opener 73-83 in Venice.
The Venice loss can't all be put down to the opponent. Cantù made only 16 of 43 two-pointers and lost the rebounding battle 28-37. Vitucci said himself that his side still needs to grow in defence and find more solidity. Rebounding and defensive structure are exactly what a new group takes time to build.
Udine are in a different place. Adriano Vertemati stayed on after a comfortable survival and a Coppa Italia spot. Zan Sisko came in to run the offence, and Denzel Valentine arrived from Venezia. In their opener they beat Scafati 87-63, winning the boards 40-27 with 22 assists.
Cantù do get their home debut at PalaDesio, and these two sides have had plenty of close games in recent years. Even so, in the first weeks of the season the team with a set rotation and a coach who knows his players usually handles the tight moments better. That's why I'm siding with Udine here.
