Di Vaio: Bologna ‘focus’ on Atalanta, ‘then the rest’ including Liverpool | OneFootball

Bologna director Marco Di Vaio insists the Rossoblu are fully focused on a Serie A match against Atalanta before visiting Liverpool at Anfield next week.

Vincenzo Italiano’s side won their first Serie A game last week, beating Monza away 2-1.

They host Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta at the Stadio Dall’Ara tonight before a Champions League match against Liverpool on Wednesday.

Bologna replaced Thiago Motta with Vincenzo Italiano in the summer after qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in over 60 years.

Di Vaio: Bologna ‘focus’ on Atalanta, ‘then the rest’ including Liverpool

“We knew the start could be tricky,” Di Vaio told DAZN before kick-off.

“When you change coaches, it’s always complicated, especially after two positive seasons here. A win always brings enthusiasm, so the team worked well this week. Tonight, we meet a strong side; then, we’ll focus on the rest.”

Italiano reached two consecutive Europa Conference League Finals with Fiorentina but lost both against West Ham in 2023 and Olympiacos in 2024.

“Starting again with a new coach means starting from scratch and bringing new ideas. We hope to accelerate this process thanks to the coach’s patience and the guys’ desire to improve,” said Di Vaio.

Bologna’s technical director, Giovanni Sartori, worked for several years for Atalanta, contributing to their growth on and off the pitch. Is there something that Bologna would love to take from La Dea?

“Their path over the last few years was stunning,” admitted Di Vaio.

“It’d be great to do the same thing.”

Bologna have six points in the opening five Serie A games of the season. They drew 0-0 against Shakhtar Donetsk in their 2024-25 Champions League debut on September 18.

You can follow live updates from Bologna-Atalanta on the Football Italia LIVEBLOG.