Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano addressed the media ahead of his team’s upcoming match against Hellas Verona, sharing his thoughts on the team’s progress, player fitness, and the challenges posed by their opponents.
Italiano began by expressing satisfaction with the team’s performance this season: “Apart from a few matches where we weren’t at our best, we’ve continued the positive trend from last year. We’ve been good at reacting to difficulties and maintaining our beliefs, which has allowed us to string together positive results.”
Reflecting on his time at Verona, Italiano said, “For me, Verona means 260 matches, extraordinary moments, and sad ones like an inexplicable relegation. Verona was everything to me, I have beautiful memories.”
Regarding the current Verona team, he noted, “Today’s Verona is a team that has been able to come out of a difficult moment, winning away from home, giving a tough time to a strong team like Milan. I’m convinced they will arrive with great enthusiasm tomorrow.”
Italiano praised his team’s defensive record, particularly at home: “These are numbers that give immense pleasure. I’ve seen statements from Castro and Ravaglia explaining how the attackers are the first defenders: it’s true, we work on this, and these statements make me understand that a good mentality is being created.”
On the importance of player rotation and recovery, Italiano commented, “These are players who initially found little space but have worked well to carve it out for themselves. I’m happy with their work; they are professionals. They knew how to react to difficulties, and this is the right spirit.”
Looking ahead to the match, Italiano revealed, “We’ve tried various situations, taking the right countermeasures,” in response to Verona’s ball possession skills and quick counterattacks.
Regarding player fitness, he provided updates on Ndoye and Orsolini: “Today was the first day I saw Ndoye free from injury. It’s very good that he’s healed and back in condition. Orsolini is in a different situation; he’s already come on as a substitute in Turin, he’s trained, and tomorrow we’ll see who gets space from the start.”
Concluding the press conference, Italiano reflected on his 2024 and hopes for 2025: “I’m sorry to have lost the Athens final, for the group, for the club, and for the environment, and it’s something that will stay with me. I’ll add to that finding a fantastic environment here, where you can work serenely, and players who have great passion.”
