Professional career
Cervi made his professional debut in the Legadue in 2010, playing two minutes without statistics in his only game that season. He signed his first professional contract, a five-year deal, with Reggio in November 2010, also being incorporated into the first squad that season. [4]
In 2011-12 he contributed 4.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and a league best 2.2 blocks in 16.6 minutes per game, helping his side earn a promotion to the first division Serie A. For his prowess he was selected as the Legadue's best Italian player. [5] [6] His contract with the side was renegotiated, while the length stayed the same, his salary was increased and an annual NBA escape clause inserted. [7]
After having major knee surgery over the summer, [6] Cervi had a difficult start in his first Serie A season whilst also struggling to change his shooting technique. He improved in the last months of the 2012-13 season and was one of the best Reggio players in the playoff series against Acea Roma. After a slow start in 2013-14, he finished the season as a starter, contributing 9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in the closely fought playoff series against holders Montepaschi Siena. [8] The same season he posted 3.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks (a tournament 4th best) in around 14 minutes per game in the European third tier 2013–14 EuroChallenge, including 7 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in the final, to help Reggio Emilia win the title. [9]
The EuroChallenge title gave Reggio Emilia the chance to play in the second tier 2014-15 Eurocup where Cervi posted 5.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks as the side exited at the group stage. [10] He finished as the second best shot blocker of the 2014-15 Serie A with 1.8 per game.
In July 2015 he joined EA7 Emporio Armani Milano, signing a two-year deal with the EuroLeague-playing side. [11] [12] However, only a few days after the announcement Milan decided to exercise a clause in his contract to release the player. [13] He then signed with another Serie A side, Sidigas Avellino on 29 July. [14]
On 8 August 2020 Cervi signed for Virtus Roma. [15]
After Virtus Roma's withdrawal from the Serie A due to financial problems, [16] Cervi, like all the Roma players, was made free agent.
International career
Cervi played with the Italy Under-20 squad in the 2011 European Championship, posting 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks as the side came home with a silver medal. [17]
He was part of the Italy B squad that finished 5th at the 2013 Mediterranean Games.
Cervi would make his full international debut for Italy against Germany in July 2014. [18]
At 2.16 m, Cervi is an intimidating presence in the paint, a rare characteristic for an Italian, [6] as such he has regularly been called up to Italy squads. [18]
He took part in the successful qualification for EuroBasket 2015, with 3.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 13 minutes per game. [19] The center was called to the preliminary squad for the competition in June 2015, [20] but he did not make the final cut.
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