Bologna FC continued their impressive form this season with a convincing 2-0 victory against Torino on December 21, 2024. The match, held at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino, showcased Bologna's growing confidence, particularly following the recent performances of their players.
One standout performer for Bologna was Thijs Dallinga, who scored his first goal for the club. Dallinga expressed his joy at the achievement, stating, "I'm very happy: scoring is the most important thing for a striker; it took me a long time to get it but now I hope to score many more. I have to thank Juan Miranda for the perfect assist. My acclimatisation is going well: I’m improving, I’m working hard on and off the pitch and I’m happy." His contribution was pivotal, not just emotionally for the player, but also as another marker of Bologna's steady growth this season.
Federico Ravaglia, Bologna’s goalkeeper, also shared his thoughts on the team's performance following the match. He commented, "We approached the match with the intention of scoring and performing. We are happy with our performance and with the fact no matter who plays, the team does not lose its identity." Ravaglia's understudy throughout the match highlighted Bologna's commitment to maintaining their style and strategy, regardless of the lineup choices.
This victory marked Bologna’s third consecutive clean sheet, something Ravaglia attributed to the team's rigorous daily training and perseverance. He expressed pride not only in the defensive display but also the overall team effort, generating excitement for the remainder of the season. "At the end of the game, I congratulated my teammates who took over because they gave what was needed to break the deadlock and get the result we need. With so many midweek matches, the pace is intense this year, but we are trying to give ourselves the joy of European football: we will fight until the end of the season," he added.
The match itself started on the right foot for Bologna, with promising play demonstrating their desire to find the back of the net early. Torino, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Bologna's tactical discipline and teamwork played a significant role, leading to Dallinga's goal, which was indicative of the lively attacking football they have been showcasing lately. The second goal sealed the fate of the match, confirming their status as one of the teams to watch this season.
Torino had hoped to regain some footing after recent inconsistent performances but found themselves on the back foot against Bologna’s intensity. Just like Dallinga, who has now completed his integration process with the squad, it is clear Bologna’s roster continues to develop cohesively, ready to tackle challenges as they arise.
Following the match, the team celebrated not only the victory but also the demonstrated resilience and collective effort, which have become hallmarks of Bologna's season. The club has rapidly turned its fortunes around, seeking to build on recent success as they push for potential European qualification.
For Bologna fans, the win holds even more significance as it symbolizes hope for the rest of the campaign. With the right momentum and the talent on display, as praised by Dallinga and Ravaglia, Bologna may very well secure their spot among Italy's elite competitors this season. The players and coaching staff are aware of the uphill fight, but they remain hopeful and determined.
This match not only fortified their league standing but also re-energized player performances and team morale, setting ambitious goals for upcoming fixtures. Bologna is poised to solidify their position and fight for every point, demonstrating why they are becoming one of the most formidable sides this Serie A season.
