Bologna, the historic Italian football club, finds itself at a fascinating juncture. On the eve of their UEFA Europa League clash against SC Freiburg, coach Vincenzo Italiano has offered a candid assessment of his team, acknowledging the weight of expectation while preaching a measured approach to growth and development.
The Weight of European Ambition
The Europa League stage brings with it both prestige and pressure. Italiano admits that «expectations are too high» on his squad, a natural consequence of their recent domestic resurgence. Yet, he sees the upcoming match against Freiburg not as a burden, but as a critical barometer. Having analyzed their previous encounter with FC Basel, Italiano respects Freiburg as a «formidable opponent,» especially at home, boasting «excellent technical quality and organization.» For Bologna to compete in this «tough group,» a significant step-up in performance is not just desired, but essential.
Navigating the Winds of Change
Football, much like life, is a constant cycle of arrivals and departures. Italiano highlights the significant impact of losing key players like Dan Ndoye and Sam Beukema. «To remove two important players from an organized setup… where the team had found its alchemy and balance, is no small matter,» he explains. This isn`t merely a lament; it`s a strategic recognition of how profoundly individual talents contribute to collective synergy. The challenge now lies in rebuilding that synergy, an endeavor that often requires more than just replacing names on a roster – it demands a renewed understanding and connection amongst the squad.
The Crucible of New Talent: Patience as a Virtue
The integration of new signings is always a delicate dance, and Italiano is quick to defend players like Rowe, who, despite mixed initial performances, are expected to blossom. «I don`t know what you expected,» he remarks, a subtle jab at instant gratification, particularly in the unforgiving world of top-tier football. He refers to Rowe`s debut half in Lecce favorably, emphasizing that «everything cannot be had immediately.» This philosophy of patience extends to others like Heggem and Vitik, whose growth is anticipated. Italiano believes in the underlying quality of his new guard, comparing the current situation to last season`s initial struggles before the team found its rhythm. «We have the foundation,» he asserts, calling upon everyone to «give more.» The coach`s task, then, is not just to instruct but to inspire, fostering the «hunger to succeed» that he once saw in Ndoye and observed in players like Vlahović.
Tactical Finesse and Defensive Priorities
Despite limited training sessions, Italiano is laser-focused on specific areas for improvement. While acknowledging progress in possession and shots on goal, he`s pragmatic about the lingering vulnerabilities. «We still concede too much at the back,» he states, highlighting the need to fine-tune «preventive closures» and «individual duels,» especially in the final 20 meters. Set pieces also remain a tactical priority. This isn`t about grand overhauls but rather applying «a pill of this and a pill of that» – incremental adjustments designed to shore up the defensive structure and make Bologna a tougher nut to crack on the European stage. One might almost imagine a footballing alchemist, mixing precise doses for tactical remedies.
The Road Ahead: Belief and Resilience
The journey back to European football is rarely smooth. Italiano`s reflections echo his experience from the previous season when a similar exodus of five key starters led to initial difficulties. «It`s normal that there were difficulties in applying what the coach asks,» he recalls. That period of «many draws and the bad defeat in Naples» ultimately forged a resilient unit. This historical parallel fuels his confidence now. With time, patience, and unwavering belief, Italiano is convinced that Bologna will «reach last year`s level,» with the contributions of players like Rowe, Heggem, Vitik, and the promised difference-making «left foot of Bernardeschi.» The coach`s message is clear: the path to success is paved with hard work, patience, and an unshakeable belief in the collective.