VENICE, ITALY – MARCH 29: Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano gestures during the Serie A match between Venezia and Bologna at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on March 29, 2025, in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Bologna FC is riding high after a remarkable run of form, registering their fifth consecutive Serie A victory with a 1-0 win over Venezia. The highlight of the match was a stunning goal from Riccardo Orsolini, who has now reached double digits for the season with ten goals. Manager Vincenzo Italiano was full of praise for the young forward, stating, "Orsolini can be decisive and incisive. He is returning to the player he was before the injury."
The Rossoblu's victory at the Stadio Penzo allowed them to leapfrog Juventus into fourth place, a position they aim to solidify as the season progresses. Prior to this match, Bologna had made headlines by smashing Lazio 5-0, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience. "I liked the fact we played as a mature team, which was by no means to be taken for granted, especially after the break for international duty," Italiano reflected in his post-match press conference.
Orsolini's left-footed volley was a highlight among several key moments in the match, and it came at a crucial time for a Bologna side that has been working to regain its confidence after a strong finish last season, where they finished fifth under former coach Thiago Motta. Italiano emphasized the importance of their current form, stating, "We are in a strong position, so we’ve just got to keep playing like this." Bologna has now scored at the start of the second half in each of their last four games, a trend Italiano acknowledged, though he kept his halftime team talk secret with a smile.
The upcoming fixtures for Bologna present a significant challenge, as they will face top teams in the league. "We’ve got games against all the top teams that will be decisive for the rest of the season," Italiano noted, hinting at the tough road ahead. With a squad filled with talent and depth, Bologna is prepared to tackle these challenges head-on.
In a recent match against Napoli, Bologna managed to secure a hard-fought point, maintaining their fourth place in the Serie A standings. Italiano expressed pride in his team’s performance, especially in the second half, where they displayed an aggressive attitude. "In the first half, they were better," he admitted, "but in the second half, we were great. We had a truly aggressive attitude." Despite the disappointment of not clinching the three points, he highlighted the importance of the result, stating, "We take this little point and add it to our ranking, giving continuity to our results."
Looking back at the match against Napoli, Italiano mentioned a missed opportunity late in the game, reflecting, "It's a shame that the ball ended up on Castro's foot at the end: it was a three-point ball." This sentiment underscores the competitive nature of Serie A, where every point can be vital. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries, particularly to Castro, who had just returned from a national team injury.
Bologna’s next match will take them to Atalanta, followed by a significant Easter clash against Inter at the Dall'Ara stadium. "This must be the attitude and spirit to bring to the field in the next games," Italiano urged his players, emphasizing the need to maintain their competitive edge as they face the league's best.
Italiano's confidence in his squad is evident, as he praised players like Remo Freuler for his remarkable contributions on the pitch. "At thirty-three, you're not old, I'm old," he joked, highlighting Freuler’s impressive performance and work ethic. The team spirit is palpable, with Italiano noting the importance of the fans, saying, "Coming to the pitch a week ago, the fans left us a banner that is also a message: one for all and all for one. They are our twelfth man on the pitch and have an energy that my players feel."
As Bologna continues their campaign, the question remains: can they keep up this momentum and challenge for a top-three finish in Serie A? With a blend of youth and experience, and a manager who knows how to get the best out of his players, the Rossoblu have every reason to believe that they can achieve great things this season. The upcoming fixtures will be a true test of their resolve and determination.
As the Serie A season progresses, Bologna's ambitions are clear. They aim not only to secure a spot in European competitions but also to establish themselves as one of the league's top teams. With Italiano at the helm, the team is poised for a thrilling end to the season, and fans are eager to see how far they can go.
