Fulgor Libertas Forli opened their Club Friendship campaign with a hard-fought 76-69 victory over local rivals Blacks Faenza, delivering a composed fourth-quarter performance to shake off a determined opponent. The win, secured in a lively arena on 27 August 2026, gave Forli an early statement of intent in a league built on competitive balance and regional pride.

Match overview

From the opening tip, the derby atmosphere lived up to its billing. Forli controlled the tempo for long stretches, but Blacks Faenza repeatedly clawed back whenever the home side looked ready to pull away. The turning point came in the final period, when Forli tightened defensively and converted critical free throws to close out a seven-point victory.

Key moments

• First-half control: Forli used a patient half-court offense to build a modest lead, with balanced scoring preventing Faenza from loading up on any single threat.
• Faenza’s third-quarter surge: Blacks Faenza raised their defensive intensity after the break, forcing turnovers and trimming the margin to a single possession heading into the final frame.
• Decisive 6-0 run: Forli answered with a quick spurt midway through the fourth quarter, capped by a steal-and-score transition basket that restored breathing room.
• Free-throw composure: In the last two minutes, Forli converted five of six attempts from the line to keep Faenza at arm’s length.

Tactical story

Forli’s success was built on interior presence and disciplined shot selection. By feeding the ball inside early, they forced Faenza’s defense to collapse, which opened up kick-out opportunities for perimeter shooters. Defensively, Forli switched effectively on ball screens and rebounded well on both ends, limiting Faenza to mostly contested looks.

Blacks Faenza, meanwhile, showed why they are considered a dangerous opponent. Their aggressive full-court pressure generated live-ball turnovers and transition baskets, and their bench provided a valuable scoring spark. However, their reliance on three-point shooting in the fourth quarter proved costly as the shots stopped falling and Forli protected the paint.

Standout performers

Forli’s rotation produced a balanced scoring effort, with four players reaching double figures. A commanding performance on the offensive glass gave the home side numerous second-chance opportunities, while the backcourt duo handled Faenza’s press with poise. For Blacks Faenza, their leading scorer kept the visitors competitive with a mix of drives and mid-range jumpers, but a lack of consistent support in the closing minutes proved decisive.

What it means

The result hands Fulgor Libertas Forli an early lead in the Club Friendship standings, while Blacks Faenza will look to bounce back quickly. With league play only just beginning, both teams will take valuable lessons from a derby that featured playoff-level intensity in August.