Bologna’s squad depth is being tested as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League match against Lille. The Italian side is grappling with several absences, including long-term injuries to Nicolo Cambiaghi and Oussama El Azzouzi. Swiss internationals Michel Aebischer and Dan Ndoye are also sidelined, with Ndoye suffering a shin injury just before the international break.
Goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski missed Bologna’s recent Serie A fixture due to illness, potentially opening the door for Federico Ravaglia to start. However, there’s positive news as Martin Erlic and Lewis Ferguson return to the squad, with Ferguson recently signing a new contract following his recovery from an ACL injury.
In attack, Bologna will look to captain Riccardo Orsolini, who had been in fine form before a goalless outing last weekend. Orsolini is expected to support either Thijs Dallinga or Santiago Castro up front.
Lille, known for their squad rotation, have made the most changes to their starting lineup in the Champions League so far. Only Lucas Chevalier, Alexsandro, and Benjamin Andre have started every group stage match. Jonathan David, fresh from becoming Canada’s all-time top scorer, is certain to lead the line. Edon Zhegrova, who has been involved in half of Lille’s Champions League shots this season, is also likely to feature prominently.
The French side welcomes back Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, Ismaily, Thomas Meunier, and Ngal’ayel Mukau. However, they remain without Tiago Santos, Nabil Bentaleb, Samuel Umtiti, Andre Gomes, and Ethan Mbappe due to various injuries.
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Fabbian, Karlsson; Dallinga
Lille (4-2-3-1): Chevalier; Mandi, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Mukau; Zhegrova, Angel Gomes, Sahraoui; David
