Overview
- Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. at the PalaDozza after days of friction between Palazzo d’Accursio and the Interior Ministry.
- More than 500 police officers have sealed off streets around the arena, with cordons from 4 p.m. and access limited to residents and ticket holders.
- A municipal ordinance established a red zone where shops shut, vehicles were removed, and construction areas were cleared to minimize risk.
- Pro-Palestine groups began gathering in Piazza Maggiore from 6 p.m., with at least 500 early arrivals using banners, smoke and painted balls, and aiming to encircle the venue.
- The Virtus team bus arrived and spectators began entering through two controlled gates as police vans ringed the area, including the viali near Porta San Felice.