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The Bologna coach, Vincenzo Italiano, spoke at a press conference on the eve of the challenging match at the Olimpico against Lazio.

Vincenzo Italiano, coach of Bologna, spoke at a press conference on the eve of the tough Sunday night match at the Olimpico against Lazio managed by Baroni. This will be the second consecutive game for the Bologna team at the Capitale stadium after their victory, before the break, against the last Roma coached by Juric.

The former Fiorentina coach will have to do without Skorupski due to a fever attack, and he will be replaced by Ravaglia.

BOLOGNA CALCIO ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

Bologna, Italiano’s words

Is tomorrow’s match already a clash for Europe?

“At the moment, we are behind the leading group, but we have great enthusiasm. We need to continue on the path of the three victories. I expect a good match. I have seen all the boys motivated, both those returning from National teams and those who have worked very well with us.”

How do you evaluate the current standings?

“Before the three victories, we were behind our standard. Now we have regained it, but we must work to stay at this level, because the other teams are strong.”

Odgaard seems to have found his position on the field. How will you handle Ferguson’s return?

“We will assess game by game. Jens is a forward and knows how to be impactful even in front of goal. Ferguson can bring more intelligence, more passing, and more off-the-ball runs, but Urbanski and Fabbian can also play there. At the moment, Odgaard, who is also a number 9, is giving us a lot because he has a great long-range shot. Lewis is doing well, I am happy for him because he is still tied to this shirt for many years. He feels physically in great shape and sees his knee well. His intelligence and personality are very important for this team, and he knows it. We have 7 games in 21 days ahead, so we will need everyone.”

Has Karlsson continued to score a lot in training in the last two weeks? How do you see him?

“What happened to Jesper helps to work with more serenity, with a smile. I am happy for everything he has given to the team because his goal gave us the three points. From the day after, his satisfaction was evident in his facial expression and body posture. It is important to find continuity, and now I see him in very good shape. We need to have a different Karlsson from the one in the first months, and if he is in this condition, it is very positive for us.”

How is Ndoye’s recovery going?

“Ndoye could not train with the team due to a nasty shin contusion. He will return to the group shortly and will need to accelerate his work with the team. I’m sorry for him, but also for the team because in these moments with so many close games, we need everyone.”

Will De Silvestri continue to get playing time?

“Lollo is behaving like a great professional with performances of great quality and attention. I am happy because I knew about his seriousness. I was afraid that after being excluded from the Champions League list, he might suffer, but I am really happy with him for how he trains, how he guides the guys even when he is on the bench… He is fully committed to this group, and besides that, he is also giving us a lot on the field. For a coach, if you can have 2 or 3 managers on the field, it’s a big deal. Here, there are many who have the Bologna shirt tattooed on them.”

How is Casale?

“Nicolò has worked well. After Genoa, Beukema and Lucumì are doing well and are getting the chance to build continuity. However, we will need everyone. Casale worked with Beukema during the week, while Lucumì had his first real training session yesterday. Casale had the opportunity to get back into the game in the final minutes in Rome, and I am sure that if he gets the chance, he will be ready.”

Has Castro recovered?

“Yes, he returned yesterday. He has a situation to manage, but it is nothing serious. He is fit, well, and can give 100%.”

What message have you given to the team considering the busy period ahead?

“I ask everyone to always give their best, first to raise the quality of training and then because with so many games in a few days, we all need to be ready. Today, I complimented the team on how we are training: doing it like this means also having the ability to face difficulties. Furthermore, with the five substitutions available, those who come in are often more important than the starters.”

What does Orsolini jumping on your back symbolize?

“When we talk about the group, we are not just referring to the team, but also to the warehouse workers, the drivers, the cook, the communication team, etc. That image is a sign of the spirit of the group here, something that in recent years has always brought great results and that we must never lose.”

Dallinga?

“Dallinga is doing well. We talked yesterday because I want his goal and focus to always be to score and a young and talented guy like him should never stop being hungry. He told me an anecdote with a former coach of his who talked about the Ketchup theory, according to which once you manage to score, then it flows and goals come in abundance. In some situations, he has been unlucky, like with Monaco, Liverpool, or Rome. When there are opportunities, it means that the boy is working well. He must not lose confidence.”

How important is continuity?

“Castellanos is doing well, and the coach gives him continuity, as well as Kean. However, that continuity must be earned because behind every player, there are other teammates pushing to play. Regarding our forwards, I think that both Castro and Dallinga have had their chances and continue to fight daily. This is why we must never stop working hard. Strong is the one who plays, but even stronger is the one who ‘has to take the bread’ from his teammate.”

Baroni’s coaching stint seems like a great example for a coach’s career, one who has paid his dues and now finds success with a top-tier team.

“Baroni and I were also teammates in Verona, and I remember going to his room during training camps and listening to his anecdotes about Maradona. Every time we meet, it is a great pleasure, and we always say goodbye with great affection.”