PAOK begins Italian preseason tour: Calathes and Osman ready, Tyree out injured

PAOK has arrived in Italy to begin the next phase of their preseason preparation, with the first stop being the Piera Paglieta Memorial Tournament in Udine. This is a strategic move by head coach Andrea Trinchieri, who will be in Italy for 10 days to oversee the team. Specific schedule: on Saturday, September 5, PAOK will face host Udine at 21:30. The result of this match will determine whether the Greek team plays the final or the third-place match on Sunday, September 6, against Reggio Emilia or Napoli. Then, on Monday, September 7, the entire squad travels to Milan for a full week of training, before a friendly against Armani Milan on September 12 at 19:00. "Victory is the product of decisions made before the game begins." This statement is entirely true for PAOK right now. Including stars Nick Calathes and Cedi Osman in the squad shows Trinchieri wants to test the core lineup from the start. EuroCup has praised this duo, stating: "We can't wait to see this duo play together." However, not everything is smooth. Bryn Tyree, a key PAOK player, will be absent due to arthroscopic surgery. This is a significant loss, but it also opens opportunities for other players to prove themselves. "Fans see the game-winning shot, I see the 47 uncredited off-ball movements" - such silent contributions will be key for PAOK to overcome this difficult period. Tactically, Trinchieri can leverage Calathes' flexibility as a point guard combined with Osman's versatile scoring on the wing. Tyree's absence forces rotation adjustments but also tests squad depth. Training data shows Calathes and Osman have developed good chemistry, promising a new offensive strength for PAOK. "Sports never stop; it only changes courts, changes rules, and changes those who wield data pens." PAOK is adapting to a new environment with new challenges. The Italian tour is not just a fitness camp but a tactical laboratory for Trinchieri to build the playing style for the upcoming EuroCup season. Although just friendlies, the Udine tournament is competitive. Host Udine will certainly use home advantage, while Reggio Emilia and Napoli are experienced teams. PAOK needs to show character to achieve good results, building positive momentum ahead of the new season. Overall, with Trinchieri's leadership and the Calathes-Osman duo, PAOK is preparing thoroughly. Tyree's absence is a challenge but also an opportunity for young or bench players to shine. Fans can expect a promising EuroCup season from the Greek club. A lesson from the CBA that I followed: rough diamonds are not found in highlights, but in silent minutes. PAOK is building those diamonds through every practice, every friendly. Let's see how they shine in Italy.