For 22 years, Mario Fioretti was the steadfast, often unseen, architect behind Olimpia Milano`s basketball empire. He was the quiet force on the bench, a perpetual presence through shifting rosters, coaching philosophies, and ownership changes. Now, at 52, this seasoned veteran has decided it`s time to step out from the shadows and embrace the head coaching spotlight, taking the helm at ambitious Tortona Basket. It’s a move that marks not just a career transition, but a testament to enduring passion and a well-earned ambition finally taking center stage.
The Unconventional Start and a Legendary Mentor
Fioretti’s journey to the pinnacle of Italian basketball is, in its own way, delightfully unconventional. He candidly recalls job interviews for Olimpia Milano in 2003 that, by his own estimation, went rather poorly. He left feeling he hadn`t impressed then-coach Attilio Caja or GM Gino Natali, only to receive a call days later confirming his hire. A surprising start for a career that would span over two decades and witness more than 1300 games. A gentle reminder that sometimes, the most auspicious beginnings follow the most doubtful first impressions.
But the real foundation of his coaching philosophy was laid even earlier, across the Atlantic. In 1999, driven by an almost “sick” obsession with college basketball, Fioretti found himself at Indiana University, under the legendary and notoriously stern Bobby Knight. What began as a hopeful fax led to a season observing a “giant” up close, attending home games, and even some away fixtures. Knight, in a move of rare mentorship, then dispatched Fioretti to learn from various NCAA teams and NBA coaches, cementing a profound, formative experience. One could argue that before he became “our Spielberg” (a moniker affectionately bestowed by Dan Peterson for his knack of distilling complex situations into concise video clips), he was learning the script from one of basketball`s most demanding directors.
The Milano Odyssey: Triumphs, Regrets, and the “Olimpia Spirit”
His tenure at Olimpia Milano was nothing short of an odyssey. He witnessed the club’s lean years, when playoff berths were a distant dream, to its resurgence as a national powerhouse and Euroleague contender. He was there for the arrival of figures like Giorgio Armani, whose entrance in 2004 marked an “epochal leap.” Fioretti recalls Armani`s palpable charisma during photo shoots and his unwavering support, even in moments of bitter defeat, such as the heartbreaking 2012 Coppa Italia semi-final loss to Siena. This journey was punctuated by 6 Scudetti, 4 Italian Cups, and 5 Supercups, alongside working with a veritable who`s who of Italian and international coaching talent, from Attilio Caja to Ettore Messina.
Yet, perhaps his most poignant memory remains the first Scudetto in 2014—a “liberation” after 11 years of relentless pursuit, a victory sealed not just in Game 7, but in the gritty, last-second win in Game 6 at Siena that made the decisive game possible. The lone regret? That “one basket” that separated Olimpia from the Euroleague final in 2021 against Barcelona. A testament to how agonizingly close they came, and how deeply he felt those moments.
Throughout these years, Fioretti became a custodian of the “Olimpia spirit”—a commitment to excellence, unwavering dedication, and a relentless pursuit of quality in every aspect of the game. He embodied the quiet resolve that allowed the club to navigate highs and lows, a silent partner in their storied success.
A New Chapter: Why Tortona, Why Now?
So, why leave now, at 52, for Tortona? “It`s the right moment,” he states, with the conviction of a man who has carefully weighed his options. Tortona, an ambitious club, presented an opportunity too compelling to ignore: solid ownership (Dr. Gavio, Marco Picchi), a clear vision, and, notably, state-of-the-art facilities like the futuristic Cittadella. For a “basketball fanatic” like Fioretti, who admits he`d play in a cellar if he had to, the chance to work in such an advanced environment was a powerful draw. It seems even the most dedicated purists appreciate a well-appointed office.
The transition, however, isn`t without its adjustments. He finds himself delegating tasks he once performed, a curious reversal of roles, and grappling with the increased media exposure he previously avoided. Yet, he is ready to instill the same principles he learned in Milano: a focus on facts, building a dedicated work group, and a foundation of unwavering passion and honesty.
The Road Ahead: High Hopes for Tortona
Looking ahead, Fioretti acknowledges the familiar giants, Milano and Bologna, remain the favorites for the Scudetto, but notes the rising competition from 6-7 other teams. Tortona’s place, he suggests, will be determined on the court, a pragmatic view befitting a coach who has seen it all. For Mario Fioretti, the silent architect has finally stepped onto the main stage, proving that in basketball, as in life, the journey to the top often takes unexpected turns, and the most impactful stories are sometimes written in the patience of a long apprenticeship. It`s a new chapter, not just for Tortona, but for a coach who waited patiently, honing his craft, before taking the helm, ready to compose his own masterpiece.
