Italiano: ‘Bologna must convert those chances’ against 10 men | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano admits Bologna ‘really ought to have won’ after Parma went down to 10 men, but it’s the same basic problem. ‘We need to convert those chances.’

There were jeers at the final whistle from fans at the Stadio Dall’Ara, as despite being against 10 men for almost the entire second half, they were unable to break down local rivals Parma.

Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card following a VAR On-Field Review of his foul on Dan Ndoye, which was studs-up and caught the base of the ankle, but the Rossoblu still couldn’t find a winner.

Disappointing start to Bologna career for Italiano

“We lacked that final moment of magic and it’s disappointing,” confessed Italiano in his press conference.

“We should’ve moved it around faster in the first half and caused Parma more problems once we had the extra man. Nonetheless, I want to point out we kept a clean sheet and maintained our identity, despite rotating six players.

“It’s important that we improve in our finishing, both with the wingers and the midfielders, as not only the strikers should score goals. We require more precision, determination and solidity upfront.

“This was a game we really ought to have won and it’s a pity that we’ve scored so few goals at home this season. That is what we must work on.”

Including the Champions League, where they drew 0-0 with Shakhtar Donetsk and lost 2-0 away to Liverpool midweek, Bologna have won just one of their nine competitive games under Italiano.

The coach who took over from Thiago Motta following their surprise Champions League qualification was asked how much faith he still has in this team.

“Not having faith seems harsh. We just need to convert those chances into goals, especially from set plays,” replied Italiano.

“I am sorry if people are disappointed, we are too and I thought we’d bring the win home after the red card. I see the right spirit, but we still have some issues to resolve. Dallinga didn’t come off the bench because he had a bruised ankle after the Liverpool game.

“We are creating lots of chances, so we simply need to finish them.”