Italiano: ‘Inter one of the best teams in the world, Bologna have confidence’ | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano warns Inter are ‘one of the best teams in the world,’ but Bologna have to focus on European qualification rather than ‘this obsession’ with the Champions League places.

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

The Rossoblu had been on spectacular form in 2025, but slipped down to fifth place in the Serie A table following their defeat in the head-to-head with Atalanta.

Considering how incredibly tight the gap is between third and eighth, what are Bologna aiming for this season?

“I would like to see this as chasing Europe, without constantly talking about the Champions League,” noted Italiano in his press conference.

“The objective is Europe, then we’ll see which tournament that is. The Champions League would be a masterpiece, but the target is just being in Europe. There are zones in the table where we need to go at supersonic speed, taking it one game at a time. If you do make a mistake, which we did in Bergamo, you shelve it and move on to the next.

“I don’t like hearing this constant obsession with dropping Champions League points. Let us also not forget we are in the Coppa Italia semi-final, so the battle will continue to the end of the season.”

Italiano wants realistic Bologna targets

Bologna’s coach Vincenzo Italiano celebrates winning the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Bologna FC and Borussia Dortmund at Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy, 21 January 2025. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI

While Bologna qualified for the Champions League last season under Thiago Motta, it was when Serie A had five places in the tournament, whereas this time it will only be four.

The Coppa Italia second leg with Empoli is on Tuesday, although Bologna are almost guaranteed progress after winning 3-0 away from home.

There are also injury issues to deal with, as Italiano confirmed that Lukasz Skorupski, Davide Calabria and Lewis Ferguson are still out of action, while Santiago Castro is ‘only at 50 per cent’ fitness.

Inter are the only Italian team still in three tournaments, having just eliminated Bayern Munich midweek to set up a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, while they face Milan on Wednesday in the other Coppa Italia semi-final.

“We must be 100 per cent focused over the full 90 minutes, because Inter know how to unravel the weaknesses of their opponents,” continued Italiano.

“They are truly a complete team with talent in every area, including off the bench. We can only hope they’ll be a little tired by all these matches, but we know what to expect. Inter are so well-drilled now, they can play with their eyes closed.

“Our home performances have always been good and we need to give our best after the defeat with Atalanta. What we’ve done over the last three months cannot be destroyed by one game. We mustn’t change our approach now, nor lose our confidence, even if tomorrow we are facing one of the best teams in the world.”