Vincenzo Italiano, the manager of Bologna, is known for his animated presence on the touchline, often expressing his emotions through gestures. His passion for the game is evident, but he acknowledges that there is still much work to be done with his team. Bologna may be showing signs of fatigue, but there is potential for improvement, especially after the debut goal from new signing Erlic.
“We need to grow quickly,” Italian stated, emphasizing the need for better fitness, aggression, and quicker ball movement. Reflecting on their recent 4-0 loss to Bochum, he admitted, “We were too soft in the build-up to their first two goals, but I believe we will improve and we won’t see defeats like this too often.” He added that pre-season games can sometimes provide valuable insights, despite the disappointing scoreline.
Bologna faced Bochum in a series of three matches, each lasting sixty minutes with a brief seven-minute break in between. Despite sweltering temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius, around 600 Bologna supporters traveled to support their team. These fans share a unique bond with the Bochum ultras, as the clubs have a friendly rivalry which sees them unite before games.
Defensively, Bologna struggled against Bochum, reminiscent of their previous performance against Asteras. While the first goal from Sissoko was controversial due to a questionable challenge on goalkeeper Ravaglia, the second goal came from a lack of attention and defensive organization, allowing Broschinski to find the net too easily.
The reasons behind the team’s defensive lapses could range from fatigue to distractions or poor decision-making. Just five minutes before the match, Italian had focused on instructing Beukema on how to counteract Bochum’s offensive style, showcasing his quest for perfection. However, Bologna seemed more reactive throughout the match rather than proactive in their play.
In their opening game, Bologna came close to scoring twice through Fabbian and Dallinga. However, they couldn’t find the back of the net as Broschinski also struck the post, leading to further disappointment, with the scoreline eventually ballooning to 4-0.
In their second match against Sudtirol, Bologna saw their new recruit Erlic make an impact by scoring the opener, although the goal was later ruled out for offside. The triangular format of these friendlies means that both Bologna and Sudtirol have one win each, but Bochum emerged victorious overall due to goal difference. Bologna’s journey continues as they aim to build a competitive squad ahead of the new season.
