Italiano: ‘Bologna caused huge problems for Benfica’ | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano was ‘very happy’ with the Bologna performance to earn a point away to high-flying Benfica, when they edged possession. ‘We now have a clear identity.’

The Rossoblu knew their chances of extending the Champions League campaign beyond January were slim, but they put in a strong performance at the Estadio da Luz for a 0-0 draw.

This was only their second point in six games, the other being another 0-0 in the opening fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk, and again goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski deserved much of the credit for his heroics.

“I am happy with what the lads did tonight. It was difficult, arriving here in our current form against a team that regularly wins and scores lots of goals, we deserve credit for causing them so many problems,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

“We actually hoped for more than a point, but the performance – especially in the first half – was of a high level. They raised the tempo after the break, were more aggressive, but we still got a handle on them and could’ve done more in our attacking situations with two on two and three on three.”

Bologna actually dominated possession in the first half in Lisbon and eventually just sneaked it overall with 51 per cent, also completing 363 passes to 340.

Italiano frustrated by Bologna finishing

LISBON, PORTUGAL – DECEMBER 11: Giovanni Fabbian of Bologna runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Kerem Akturkoglu of S.L Benfica during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between SL Benfica and Bologna FC 1909 at Estadio do SL Benfica on December 11, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The problem for Italiano’s side is always the same, that they struggle badly to convert their possession and chances into goals.

“Dallinga had a similar situation in the most recent game and put it in the corner, he had an identical chance today and should’ve done more.

“We had several situations where we got the finish or the last pass wrong. We created chances, caused huge problems for a great side like Benfica.”

It was particularly impressive considering the number of injuries that Italiano had to deal with, missing Riccardo Orsolini, Charalampos Lykogiannis, Juan Miranda, Michel Aebischer, Oussama El Azzouzi and Niccolò Cambiaghi.

“I saw players who hadn’t done as much and really stepped up today, like Urbanski playing wide, Moro in midfield, Holm who had to adapt as a left-back, Casale getting minutes in his legs.

“It really was not easy here and the lads are very happy, also as they prepare for the next games. I am very happy too, as I saw a response from many lads, we now have a clear identity and our approach does not change even when we rotate the squad.

“I saw what I wanted to see tonight.”

Bologna are not guaranteed elimination from the Champions League yet with two points from six games.