Vincenzo Italiano is set to embark on his first journey with Bologna, following a remarkable tenure in Florence that included three finals within just ten months and a sensational season that ended in a Champions League appearance. Bologna’s new boss is ready to kick off his campaign tomorrow at 18:30 local time against Udinese at the Dall’Ara Stadium.
In his pre-match comments, Italiano shared insights on the development of his relationship with the team. “The process of understanding between me and the players has progressed over these weeks,” he stated. He acknowledged that while every team aims to establish its identity quickly, it requires time to achieve that. Bologna has faced several absences in the squad but Italiano is determined to maintain balance. “When we have the ball, we must show our quality,” he emphasized.
On the upcoming match against Udinese, Italiano noted the threat posed by their new manager and a talented squad featuring players like Thauvin, Samardzic, and Pajero. He described Udinese as a much more aggressive team and highlighted the need for patience, particularly in managing possession effectively, drawing on lessons learned from the previous season.
Reflecting on his new role, Italiano expressed optimism about the young talents at his disposal, stating, “The players are starting to recover from the preparation loads. We have a lot of talent here, and we will showcase it. We will grow in all aspects once we have all players available.” He pointed out that the team demonstrated competence in both defensive and offensive phases and emphasized the importance of playing visually appealing football, which he understands is a priority for Bologna supporters.
Regarding the striker situation, Italiano mentioned Castro and Dallinga as key options who will take turns based on their conditions. He praised Ndoye, calling him a “blessing” for the squad and stressed the need for intensity in regaining possession.
On the transfer front, Italiano indicated that they are actively looking for a central defender while assessing their midfield options. “Freuler and El Azzouzi have the qualities to be our playmakers,” he remarked, adding that they will monitor the progression of injuries to Ferguson and El Azzouzi, hoping for their return soon.
Italiano is poised at the start of a new era for both Bologna and himself. “Am I excited? Yes, it’s a new story, and we need points and effectiveness,” he confessed. As he prepares to take his place on the sidelines, he plans to be the “12th man” for his team. The ambitious coach aims to reignite the joy of fans, stating, “In the Champions League, we want to cause trouble for the big clubs, and in the Coppa Italia, we seek to advance while prioritizing attractive play. Because if we don’t play well, we won’t achieve our goals.”