With anticipation building in both camps, Bologna FC is gearing up for a pivotal stretch of fixtures that could define their early season ambitions. All eyes are on the Rossoblu as they prepare for a challenging away clash against Cagliari, scheduled for October 19, 2025, swiftly followed by a crucial Europa League encounter against Steaua Bucharest. The atmosphere around the club is one of cautious optimism, fueled by recent returns from international duty and the prospect of a nearly full-strength squad.
The build-up to the Cagliari match has been marked by meticulous preparation. As announced by Bologna FC on October 17, the team will hold its final training session at 11:00 CEST on the morning of the game. Shortly after, at 14:00 CEST, head coach Vincenzo Italiano is set to address the media at the Niccolò Galli Training Center. Entry to the press conference requires proper accreditation and a valid journalist ID, underscoring the heightened interest in the club's current form and tactical choices.
Coach Italiano, now 47 years old, finds himself with a rare luxury: a squad that is, for the most part, healthy and available. The only notable absentee is Ciro Immobile, who continues his individual training regimen and will not feature against Cagliari. Immobile's fitness will be reassessed ahead of the subsequent league match against Fiorentina at the iconic Franchi Stadium. His absence, while significant, has not dampened spirits, as the team has demonstrated resilience in recent weeks.
One of the key developments ahead of the Cagliari fixture has been the return of Jhon Lucumi, the last of Bologna's internationals to report back. Lucumi's return is particularly noteworthy; not only did he complete his national team duties, but he also marked the occasion by scoring his first goal for Colombia. This milestone adds a spring to his step as he reintegrates with the Rossoblu and puts himself in contention for a starting spot.
Defensive options are plentiful for Italiano, but not without their own set of puzzles. Casale, who had been sidelined since the opening day with injury, has now fully recovered and trained at full capacity during the international break. He is a strong candidate to start, potentially alongside Heggem, Vitik, and Lucumi. Heggem, too, has returned after being called up by Norway—though he was spared from their last friendly against New Zealand, ensuring he remains fresh for club duties. Vitik, meanwhile, has shaken off a knock sustained during national team play and is back in the mix.
The return of Nicolo Cambiaghi and Riccardo Orsolini further bolsters Bologna's attacking options. Cambiaghi made his debut for the Azzurri in injury time against Israel, a proud moment for the young forward. Orsolini, though a spectator during the international break, is expected to be fully fit and ready to contribute. According to reports, "both players shouldn't be particularly burdened by their international commitments," a relief for Italiano as he contemplates his attacking lineup.
Up front, the tactical rotation is set to continue, especially with a demanding schedule featuring both domestic and European commitments. Dallinga is tipped to play a role against Cagliari, while Castro is being kept in reserve for the high-stakes Europa League tie in Bucharest. The likely starting trio in attack will feature Orsolini, Cambiaghi, and Odgaard, offering a blend of pace, creativity, and finishing ability. Midfield competition is equally fierce, with Graze and Ferguson locked in a battle for a starting berth. Notably, with Moro on the pitch, Bologna has amassed the 10 points they currently hold in Serie A, underlining his importance to the team's engine room.
Bologna's recent form has injected fresh hope into their campaign. The team has picked up seven points from matches against Genoa, Lecce, and Pisa, a run that has seen them draw level with Atalanta in sixth place. However, the quest for an elusive first away win of the season remains, serving as added motivation as they head to Cagliari. The away fixture is seen as a litmus test for their credentials, both in Serie A and on the continental stage.
The upcoming Europa League fixture against Steaua Bucharest looms large, with the match described as "crucial for the Rossoblu's European campaign." Success in that tie could go a long way toward securing qualification among the top 24, a stated objective that has galvanized both players and supporters. The challenge for Italiano will be to balance his squad, ensuring freshness and focus for both assignments.
Reflecting on the current state of the squad, Italiano appears satisfied yet vigilant. The return of key players from international duty has provided a timely boost, but the coach remains aware of the fine margins that define top-level football. Defensive solidity, midfield control, and clinical finishing will all be required if Bologna is to navigate this demanding period successfully.
Of course, the absence of Immobile is a talking point, but the coach's decision to keep Dallinga and Castro ready for rotation demonstrates a pragmatic approach to squad management. The flexibility offered by players like Orsolini and Cambiaghi, who can operate across the front line, further enhances Bologna's tactical options.
As the team prepares for its final training session and the all-important press conference, the sense of anticipation is palpable. The media will be eager to quiz Italiano on his selection dilemmas, the fitness of returning players, and his strategy for tackling both Cagliari and Steaua Bucharest. With the season still young, every point and every performance takes on added significance, especially for a club with aspirations of breaking into the upper echelons of Italian and European football.
Looking ahead, the fixture list offers little respite. After Cagliari and Bucharest, the trip to Florence for a clash with Fiorentina presents yet another stern test. Yet, with a nearly complete squad and a coach renowned for his tactical acumen, Bologna fans have every reason to look forward to the coming weeks with optimism.
As the Rossoblu finalize their preparations, the spotlight will remain firmly on Italiano and his charges. Can they secure that much-needed away win and set the tone for a successful European campaign? The answers will unfold on the pitch, but for now, the mood in Bologna is one of quiet confidence and eager anticipation.
