Italiano and Bologna have ‘regrets’ after Champions League draw | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano admits Bologna have ‘regrets’ after their Champions League stalemate with Shakhtar Donetsk, even though they almost conceded an early penalty.

The coach is still looking for his first win on the Rossoblu bench, having played five draws and a defeat between Serie A and the Champions League.

It was almost a disastrous start at the Stadio Dall’Ara today under driving rain, as within three minutes Stefan Posch had bundled into the back of Eguinaldo for a penalty, but Lukasz Skorupski came to the rescue by saving the Georgiy Sudakov spot-kick.

The Shakhtar goalkeeper also proved decisive with several big saves, most notably on Dan Ndoye, Santiago Castro and Giovanni Fabbian, for the 0-0 draw.

“We had chances, we played the game we wanted to in this Champions League debut,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

“Skorupski did really well on that penalty, otherwise the game would’ve changed completely. I thank the lads for a good performance.

“We’ve got to grow and improve in the final third, we’ve also got to make more of set play situations. The lads do have some regrets, because it is a game where we could’ve taken home all three points.

“Shakhtar move it a lot around their final third, they run risks and we could’ve made more of that with a high press.”

Italiano still waiting for first Bologna victory

Ndoye was the most impressive attacking threat on the night, constantly bursting down the left flank, whereas Riccardo Orsolini was quiet.

“We attacked on both flanks and alternated. We’ve got to do better when we have those opportunities, as we are creating them and have a different spirit when we’re on home turf too. It was a positive debut, we will continue working.”

Fabbian had perhaps the clearest opportunity, letting a ball bounce and allowing the Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper to come flying out for the block.

“He should’ve attacked the ball earlier and not given the goalkeeper the time to come out, he had to take it first time,” warned Italiano.

“We created the same situation with Castro that he had against Napoli and was unable to lift the finish.”

This was the first European game for Bologna since the 2002 Intertoto Cup Final, but Italiano has more UEFA experience, taking Fiorentina to two consecutive Conference League Finals.