Italiano: ‘Bologna dominated Napoli in 2nd half’ | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano feels Bologna ‘dominated the second half’ against Napoli, but he will take the point and performance. ‘This must be the mentality in these final rounds of the season.’

It was a game of two halves at the Stadio Dall’Ara, because while the Partenopei had the best of the early play and took the lead through an Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa solo run from midfield, the hosts dominated after the restart.

Dan Ndoye equalised with a spectacular back-heel flick off the underside of the crossbar and they pinned Napoli back into their own half, but were unable to make the pressure count.

“The last chance with Castro was really frustrating, because that was a move worth three points, we should’ve finished it off,” Italiano told DAZN.

“It would’ve been the right reward for a great second half performance. If Castro had reacted a bit quicker, he could’ve scored. Napoli were better in the first half, we pinned them back into their own area for the second.

“We’ll take the point and that fantastic performance from the lads.”

A win would’ve allowed Bologna to leapfrog Atalanta into third place, but instead they remain fourth, cutting the gap to one point.

Italiano sees Bologna on right track

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 07: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on after being presented with the Original Philadelphia Coach of the Month award for March 2025 prior to the Serie A match between Bologna and Napoli at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 07, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

This result ended a run of six consecutive victories in all competition, which also saw Italiano named Serie A Coach of the Month.

“A draw against one of the best teams in Serie A is still very good, a team where you can risk on the counter-attack, but at the end of the day we keep the run of positive results going, but also build on the quality of our performances,” added Italiano.

“I told the lads in the dressing room this must be the attitude and mentality we have in these final rounds of the season. We know that it’s a difficult fixture list against the top clubs, but we showed such a strong reaction to going behind against a Napoli side that will fight to the end for the Scudetto.

“That bodes well and we must keep that mentality in the final games, trying to make more of the momentum when we start to really control matches. Miranda and Holm put a lot of balls into the box tonight, and I think we could’ve made more of those chances.”

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 07: Dan Ndoye of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Jhon Lucumi during the Serie A match between Bologna and Napoli at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 07, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Bologna are not only flying high in Serie A, but also on the verge of the Coppa Italia Final, having beaten Empoli 3-0 away from home in the first leg of the semi-final last Tuesday.

“When you call, everyone gives their heart and soul, even if it’s just for five minutes. When everyone gives their contribution like that, it’s natural that strength in depth becomes important. Everyone will be involved in these final few weeks, it will be a fundamental time for the club,” explained the coach.

“We’re in the Coppa Italia semi-final, in Serie A, so it has to be all for one, and one for all. That was the message our fans passed on to us.”

The crowd was again fired up at the Stadio Dall’Ara, as after last season they took fifth place under Thiago Motta, they seem to be just getting stronger now Italiano has taken charge.

“Our fans have been fantastic in recent years and I must be honest, the atmosphere is extraordinary. The lads feel that affection and positive energy from the stands, so it is only right to thank them with these performances.

“We must try to prove that we push hard and will always sweat for the shirt. The fans really are our 12th Man,” concluded Italiano.