Bologna Manager Italiano Admits Aston Villa Are Superior Ahead of Europa League Clash
Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano has made a candid admission ahead of Thursday night's Europa League quarter-final first leg, stating he is not ashamed to say that Aston Villa are a superior team to his Serie A side. The Italian boss wants his players to use this underdog status to their advantage and make life difficult for Unai Emery's Villa in what promises to be a thrilling European showdown.
Italiano's Honest Assessment of the Tie
Speaking ahead of the match, Italiano emphasized that on paper, Aston Villa are clearly the better team, but he believes this reality should motivate rather than deter his squad. He highlighted Bologna's recent history-making achievements over the past three years and expressed hope that this game provides another opportunity to add to that legacy. The manager stressed the importance of fan support, noting that the home crowd at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara will be crucial in helping Bologna overcome the odds.
Italiano said: "Our fans are pushing us like they always do. In the last three years, year after year, we made history. Next week, we have another opportunity to make history again. I know that there is a big preparation for this game in terms of support. Of course, we will need it and we will be proud for this game."
Bologna's Recent Form and Challenges
The manager acknowledged that Bologna have struggled with consistency at home this season, a trend he hopes to reverse against Villa. He pointed to positive performances, such as the victory over Udinese and the first leg against AS Roma in the previous round, as evidence of the team's potential. Bologna knocked out Roma in a dramatic 5-4 aggregate win in the round of 16, demonstrating their ability to cause upsets in European competition.
"This season, unfortunately, is going this way: the trend of failing to win at home and struggling at home. It has been consistent," Italiano admitted. "At times, we have also shown that we have done well, like the game against Udinese or the first leg against Roma. We haven't been consistent here, but we know tomorrow we will have a big crowd, and I hope that they will help us to win."
Historical Context and Team Mindset
Bologna have lost to Aston Villa twice in the last 18 months, both times in Birmingham, adding an extra layer of motivation for the Italian side. Italiano praised the unwavering support of the Bologna fans, even during difficult periods, such as when forward Riccardo Orsolini faced scoring droughts. He emphasized the team's desire and hunger to compete fiercely against a superior opponent.
Italiano added: "Our people are always close to us. I said that during the league. I hope the fans always come with us, and they did. When Riccardo Orsolini wasn't able to score and he came out of the team, they were supportive of him. We have a great desire and hunger to make life difficult for a team. At least on paper, they are obviously superior to us. We don't have to be ashamed to say that."
With enthusiasm high and preparations in full swing, Italiano is optimistic about starting this tough streak of games on a positive note, aiming for a win that could set the tone for the rest of the Europa League campaign.
