Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano explains his squad options for the Europa League match against Maccabi Tel-Aviv, warning that they are “paying a high price” for mistakes lately.
The match will begin on neutral grass at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET).
You can follow all the preparation and action of this match and Panathinaikos vs. Rome on the Liveblog.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Vincenzo Italiano, head coach of Bologna FC 1909, reacts during the Italian Super Cup semi-final match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
This is the last round of the league phase and Bologna is among the teams that are guaranteed at least a place in the play-offs, but it is not mathematically impossible yet to aspire to be among the top eight and directly access the round of 16.
Italian describes Bologna options
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 22: Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano reacts during the Italian Super Cup final between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at King Saud University Stadium on December 22, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
“We have a small chance of finishing in the top eight, but we are preparing for the play-offs,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
They have been stuttering badly in 2026, recording one win, three draws and four defeats in all competitions, blowing a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Genoa in Serie A on Sunday when they were down to 10 men.
“In the last five games, I think we have improved in our performances, although not in terms of results. What we have to correct are those mistakes that are too obvious and for which we are paying a high price. We need to be aware of the danger and return to being the team we were.”
VIGO, SPAIN – DECEMBER 11: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2025/26 Europa League MD6 Phase match between Real Club Celta and Bologna FC 1909 at Balaidos Stadium on December 11, 2025 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by José Manuel Álvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Bernardeschi was expected to return to the starting XI after fracturing his collarbone, but is instead on the bench, with Riccardo Orsolini and Jonathan Rowe deployed behind Santiago Castro.
“I spoke with Bernardeschi before coming to the stadium and we prefer that he return little by little,” Italiano continued.
“He wouldn’t be guaranteed much game time with his fitness level, so I would prefer to see him come in later and give his best. “We need his quality and experience later in the game, which is why he starts from the bench.
“Rowe is in good form, he showed that he can play on the right or the left, so it’s only fair to give him consistent playing time. I see him improving in his concentration and connection with his teammates, so he deserves to keep his place. Playing on the other flank, he can cut inside and shoot with his stronger foot, so I’m curious to see him in action tonight.”
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