PAOK leave Metsovo for Italy: The Udine–Milan tour and the Trinchieri test

PAOK left their training camp in Metsovo before sunrise on September 4, 2026, and headed to Italy for the next stage of their preseason. Andrea Trinchieri will spend ten days in the country, working with a squad that includes Nick Calathes and Cedi Osman but will be without Bryn Tyree, who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery. The team flew from Thessaloniki to Venice on the morning of September 4, then moved by bus to Udine. There they will play in the Piera Paglieta Memorial tournament. PAOK face host team Udine on September 5 at 21:30. Depending on the result, they will play either Reggio Emilia or Napoli on September 6 in the final or the third-place game. After the tournament, PAOK travel to Milan on September 7 and train there for the whole week. Their most significant friendly will be against Armani Milan on September 12 at 19:00. EuroCup have already pointed out Calathes and Osman as a duo to watch. Calathes is an experienced playmaker with excellent court vision, while Osman adds mobility and the ability to score without needing many touches. With Tyree unavailable, the two will carry most of the creative load. The Italian trip is not about winning trophies. For Trinchieri, it is about testing lineup rotations, integrating new players, and giving the roster a clear tactical identity before the EuroCup season begins. The match against Armani Milan will be the toughest test because Milan are organized, physical, and strong in pressing situations. Udine can also be dangerous because they will play in front of their home crowd. PAOK will need to control the tempo through Calathes and avoid being drawn into a chaotic game. Defensively, PAOK must prove they can protect the paint and communicate well against disciplined opponents. Bryn Tyree's absence creates opportunities for other guards to earn playing time. Trinchieri will likely use the week in Milan to fine-tune defensive rotations and give his players a clear understanding of their responsibilities. When PAOK face Armani Milan, the coaching staff will finally receive useful answers about the team's real level.