Vincenzo Italiano spoke in a press conference on the eve of Bologna`s crucial Serie A match against Juventus.
When asked about the historical significance of the upcoming game, especially considering Bologna`s recent achievements (Coppa Italia final after 51 years, first Supercoppa appearance) and the long home winless streak against Juve (27 years), Italiano stated: “Tomorrow we will try to make history again. Juventus is strong, and since changing their technical guidance, they have delivered important performances. However, at our home, we must make our strength count because we have given everyone a tough time here. We will do so aware of the opponent`s qualities and knowing that we are playing for Europe.”
Discussing whether tomorrow could be a decisive day for the race to fourth place, Italiano commented: “Tomorrow could be an important day, but 12 points can still mean a lot, and I believe we`ll have to battle until the final matchday. Tomorrow`s match is therefore an important step in this final rush. We want to avoid any bitter disappointments: we`ve prepared well to go out and play. The players are doing well, except for Ndoye, Holm, and Pedrola. We will recover the first two soon, but I`m sorry for Pedrola. However, I`m convinced we will perform tomorrow, but it doesn`t end here for me.”
Regarding Federico Cambiaghi potentially starting in Ndoye`s absence, Italiano explained: “For Cambiaghi, I think ups and downs are normal when returning from an injury like his. He is also experiencing this, and it`s not because he`s more specialized at changing the game as a substitute, but because he`s coming back from a significant injury. Tomorrow we`ll see how we are; we`ll make the final decision tomorrow morning. We will try to start with the best possible eleven to trouble Juventus. Our substitutes have certainly been contributing significantly.”
Asked about his perspective on Juventus as both a player and a coach, Italiano reflected: “I have beaten Juve both as a player and as a coach. Juventus has been excelling since I was born, being one of the strongest teams in Europe. I`ve seen many Juventus sides, from the Lippi era onwards. They are always a difficult team to face, especially at their home, but that`s normal. Even this year they have invested heavily and are always in contention.”
Addressing the praise the team receives and what they still need to give, Italiano shared: “I told the players we mustn`t switch off because there`s little time left, and with everything we`re playing for, we must all give a little extra. We`ve been excellent so far in achieving satisfaction and making history in many ways. Since I`ve known this team, I`ve understood that when it`s time to be serious, they switch on, and I`m convinced they will do so tomorrow.”
Providing updates on player fitness, Italiano stated: “Castro has been much better since yesterday, not yet 100% but more fluid and loose; I saw him look very good. He`s coming off a long period without playing full matches, so he won`t be at his peak condition, but the foot pain has improved. I saw Ferguson looking good; he pushed this week and is 100% recovered. For me, Dallinga is moving well, compared to when he arrived at the start of the year, with and without the ball. He`s finding it harder in the league than in the cup, but the important thing is he works for the team, which he is doing. Let`s not focus solely on a striker`s scoring; he is currently giving a lot to the team. Dallinga and Castro are our number 9s: Santiago is returning, and Dallinga is improving.”
Reflecting on the experience of having a young coach learn from him, Italiano said: “It was a good experience, and we were pleased to have him here with us. I read his comments; he said he likes our philosophy, and I sincerely wish him the best.”
Asked about the difference Juventus presents with or without Dusan Vlahovic, Italiano responded: “I had Dusan for six months and I still say he`s a phenomenal player, for what he gave me, the goals he scored, his approach… The fact that he won`t be there tomorrow I think is advantageous for us because someone like him is always dangerous. However, Kolo Muani will be there, another champion we must pay attention to. We have analyzed their buildup play and will try to be ready for every situation.”
Addressing the team`s occasional slow starts in matches, citing Udine and Bergamo, Italiano acknowledged: “In these final matches, we must be perfect in everything. In Bergamo, we weren`t at the required level, while in Udine, I must give great credit to our opponents. It is something we must avoid, because the initial approach dictates matches, for better or worse.”
On the team`s current condition, Italiano commented: “It`s human to make mistakes in some games. In recent years in Serie A, no match is a foregone conclusion. We also made some mistakes along the way, and this slight lack of attention we`ve shown in recent away games, we will try to correct. If we want to stay at a high level, we must maintain very high attention. Just think of Inter, who lost three games after beating Bayern but then delivered a great performance against Barcelona. There are moments that need managing. We`ve also shown the ability to react. As I said in Udine, the team that makes fewer mistakes will find satisfaction.”
When asked if he expects a more defensive Juventus side, Italiano replied: “Knowing Tudor and having faced him, you never have total dominance against his teams. Therefore, I expect a tough match, with high rhythm and intensity. We`ll need to play hard until the end, and when we have possession, we must try to use all the quality required, and we have that. The atmosphere, the environment, the stadium tomorrow will surely give us a lot. I tell the fans that in matches like tomorrow`s, the crowd can provide us with significant support.”