New Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano expressed his excitement and ambition ahead of the team’s Serie A opener against Udinese. Despite facing challenges with injuries and ongoing transfer market activities, Italiano is eager to build on the success of last season.
“It’s always exciting to start the championship, even if it’s still August football with the transfer market open,” Italiano began. “The Bologna construction site is still open with injuries, preparation with several absentees, and a market to complete, especially the central defender, but tomorrow we start in front of our home crowd and Udinese represents a good test for the new Bologna course.”
Italiano emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s spirit and mentality from the previous season while introducing his own ideas. “There’s a context that closely resembles my ideas,” he said. “We’re on a journey, it takes a bit of time. All teams want to have an identity quickly, but we started pre-season with many absentees and injuries. We’re beginning to incorporate what can give us balance. I’m here to support what the boys did last year; I don’t want to be an obstacle at all.”
Regarding his tactical approach, Italiano stressed the need for balance between possession and defense. “When Bologna has the ball, they can show great quality. When they don’t have it, they’ll have to concede as little as possible to the opponent,” he explained. “The boys are starting to shake off the preparation loads, and we have a lot of talent and skill with the ball at our feet. When we’re more brilliant, we can do excellent things.”
Italiano also discussed the team’s attacking options, praising the versatility of players like Castro, Dallinga, Karlsson, Cambiaghi, and Ndoye. He emphasized the importance of adaptability and teamwork in the forward positions.
On the topic of transfers, Italiano confirmed that the club is working on signing a central defender and remains vigilant in the market. He also addressed the team’s midfield options and the recovery of Ferguson.
Looking ahead to the match against Udinese, Italiano acknowledged the challenges of facing a team with a new coach. “There have been many changes in Serie A; groups need to find their identity, and whoever is faster will have advantages,” he noted. “Udinese has a new coach, and we’ve tried to analyze some of their friendlies. They have quality players at their disposal.”
Finally, Italiano responded to the lack of consideration for Bologna in the race for European spots: “I’ve seen many grids at the start of the championship in my career, and many have been disproved. Bologna is growing exponentially, important players are arriving, and the team has grown in terms of play and structure. We must continue on this path. I don’t know where we’ll end up, but the path is set. By maintaining our spirit and carrying forward our ideas, we’ll hurt many opponents.”
