Italiano assistant: Bologna beat ‘one of the strongest teams in the world’ | OneFootball

Daniel Niccolini, assistant coach to Vincenzo Italiano at Bologna, believes that the Rossoblu beat ‘one of the strongest teams in the world’ with a late, late 1-0 win over Inter on Easter Sunday, and predicts that the Serie A title race will go down to the final day now that the Nerazzurri are level on points with Napoli again.

Niccolini stood in for Italiano for the post-match media duties, following the head coach’s sending off in the second half of Sunday’s 1-0 win over Inter.

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 20: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, gestures as he gives the team instructions during the Serie A match between Bologna and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Niccolini: Bologna beat ‘one of the strongest teams in the world’

Though the teams were less than a minute away from finishing goalless, a 94th minute overhead kick from substitute Riccardo Orsolini handed Bologna all three points in a dramatic finish at the Dall’Ara.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Niccolini said that it was: “A fantastic ending. We played against one of the strongest teams in the world. We’re happy because it’s an important win that gives us strength going into our next games as well.”

He continued: “We ask for a lot of sacrifice from the forwards first and foremost. It’s a way of playing that is paying off for us. The boys believe in it and follow us, you can see the results.”

Riccardo Orsolini celebrates victory after defeating FC Internazionale 1-0 in the Serie A match between Bologna and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

When asked about Italiano’s response to Bologna’s late victory, Niccolini added: “He was more angry about the sending off than the game itself, it was the first of his career. Anyway, we’re happy with the excellent performance, we had a great game.”

What makes Bologna such a successful side under Italiano’s guidance?

“The team’s strength lies with this group. They’re all friends here, all ready to run the extra yard for their teammate. Orsolini, like Cambiaghi, are players who always help the team whenever they come on. All the players here train to the maximum limit, we never have any controversies.”

Riccardo Orsolini scores his team’s first goal whilst under pressure from Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 20, 2025 in Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

And what did Niccolini make of Orsolini’s performance?

“Orsolini is a very intelligent player, who can always help your performances.”

Niccolini ended his press conference with a prediction for the Serie A title: “I’m not a betting person, but I think they are both very strong teams and they will compete for the Scudetto until the final day.”