After six years with Virtus, including a youth championship as coach, Augusto gianni Giomo further contributed to the club. He was instrumental in bringing Renato Villalta, from Maserada sul Piave, to Bologna in the summer of 1976.The transfer occurred at a record price for basketball at the time.
Villalta Arrives, Becoming Virtus’ Greatest Scorer
Villalta proved the investment worthwhile, scoring 9048 points – an absolute Virtus record. Bonamico was loaned to Fortitudo. Sinudyne started strong, winning the first eight games and a total of 19 out of 22, dominating the first phase. They only lost twice, against Varese and in Rome. They won both derbies and achieved a then-record score of 122 points against Forlì, a mark they would equal three more times in subsequent years. This remains the highest score Virtus has achieved in a championship game. With 38 points, Sinudyne finished ahead of Varese and Cantù, who trailed with 30.
The Second Phase Groups
Virtus found themselves in a group with Varese and the two teams promoted from Serie A2: fernet Tonic Bologna and Cinzano Milano – representing the historic gira and Olimpia clubs. Olimpia was regaining prominence after its successes in the 1940s and 50s,while Gira quickly rebounded after relegation in 1976. The other group consisted of Cantù, Fortitudo, Brill Cagliari, and Pallacanestro Milano. Virtus immediately faced a derby, and without captain Bertolotti, suffered a surprising defeat.