Maltese abroad: Postponed debut for Falzon due to Italy covid-19 restrictions

Tevin Falzon is the only international summer Maltese signing yet to debut among the many players playing basketball in Europe. However, he will have to wait a while longer with the recent developments of the covid-19 crisis in Italy. The Times of Malta’s Sportsdesk looks at Falzon and other Maltese professionals plying their trade overseas in another segment of ‘Maltese abroad’.

ITALY

Tevin Falzon (photo), who joined Pallacanestro Palestrina back in September but arrived in Italy in October, will have to wait to make his debut after the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) announced last week that all regional championships have been postponed until at least November 29. 

This comes after the continuing increase of covid-19 cases in the country.

The Federation said it will continue to monitor the situation in order to guarantee the smooth running of the competitions in safe conditions for all members. At the same time, it also said that training will be allowed to continue in compliance with the provisions of the government authorities. 

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Pallacanestro Palestrina’s first game was set to be on Monday against Fortitudo Roma.

Similarly, Kurt Cassar’s Pallacanestro Orzinuovi have had to postpone their friendly game against Withu Bergamo, which was pencilled in for Sunday, after the latter had contact with a member of the Mantua Basket which later resulted positive for the virus.

As a precaution and following the FIP protocol, the Bergamo side has stopped all training and consequentially postponed their friendly against the Orzi. 

The new date for the sides’ friendly is yet to be decided.  

FRANCE

Aaron Falzon’s Etoile Angers will also have to wait to play their next fixtures as due to the rise in cases and announcement of lock-down in France, the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) suspended the Nationale Masculine 1 (NM1) league for the next two matchdays. 

This means the side misses out on playing against Union Rennes Basket 35 and Union Tarbes Lourdes Pyrenees Basket.

This coincides with Falzon’s eagerness to get a more secure contract with the Angers side this month.

SPAIN

One player whose league has not been suspended so far is Mikela Riolo as her side, CD Magectias bagged their first win on Saturday against ADBA Aviles 62-59.

This win comes after two straight losses in a start during which Riolo has struggled to get much action due to injury before the first game.