Mario Alesini

Mario Alesini represented Italy at the 1960 Olympic Games in Roma where they finished fourth, losing to the Soviet Union in the semi-finals 78-70. He made his national team début on 16 September 1952 in Istanbul winning over Iran (62-38), and competed at three European Championships (1953, 1957, 1959).

Alesini played in the First League with Pallacanestro Varese (1948-53) where he was a basketball idol. His departure from Varese to play for Virtus Bologna (1954-66) provoked anger from his fans who were deeply affected, feeling so betrayed by their native son that they accused him of treason. Despite winning two consecutive titles with Bologna in 1955 and 1956, and then a coaching stint (1963-66) silence fell on him until his passing in 2001. He ended his national team career with 82 international caps and scoring 802 points.