Italiano: ‘Bologna can keep amazing people’ in Italy and Europe | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano remains confident that Bologna can ‘keep on amazing people’ this season, as they prepare to face Como and Shakhtar Donetsk.

They finished fifth in Serie A last term under coach Thiago Motta and therefore qualified for the Champions League thanks to Italy’s overall stronger coefficient.

However, it has been a rough start under their new boss, who managed only two points from three rounds.

“During the break for international duty, we worked with the players who remained, which unfortunately was not many,” said Italiano in his press conference.

“We worked on what we need to improve. I know that we can keep on amazing people.”

Goals have been a problem, scoring only two in three rounds, and it is an issue that this coach also struggled with during his previous tenure at Fiorentina.

“We could’ve done a lot more in the two home matches. The lads know that once they start converting those chances and being more efficient upfront, the games will change. At least we were solid defensively and did not allow much to our opponents.”

Italiano ready for Bologna challenges

Como are coming up on Saturday at 14.00 UK time, but then Bologna face Shakhtar Donetsk in the opening Champions League tie on Wednesday evening.

“It is important that we take it one game at a time and focus only on that. Como have a lot of quality and still carry the enthusiasm of promotion last summer, so we must be ready. Bologna are forced to do our best and a good result could also help us get ready for the next challenge.”

Italiano is accustomed to rotating his squad, as last season at Fiorentina he was able to reach the Final of both the Europa Conference League and the Coppa Italia, but it is new territory for Bologna.

“We need to be cautious with Ndoye and only use him when he is at 100 per cent. Dallinga is improving and already got over the initial phase of adapting to a new league. Casale is an important player, he had a calf issue, but is back with the group now.

“Unfortunately, El Azzouzi will be out for a while, which is why he was left off the Champions League list.”