Bologna 1-1 Freiburg | Head coach Italiano: ‘We must keep growing’ | OneFootball

Bologna were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Freiburg in the Europa League group stage. Riccardo Orsolini’s first-half opener was cancelled out by a second-half penalty from Junior Adamu, leaving the Rossoblù with two points from their first two games.

Bologna started the game well and were rewarded when Orsolini picked up the ball inside the box and fired an effort into the back of the net. However, the visitors grew into the game as it progressed and, in the end, Vincenzo Italiano’s side may count themselves lucky to come away with a point.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 02: Riccardo Orsolini (L) of Bologna FC celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Bologna FC 1909 and SC Freiburg at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on October 02, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Bologna coach Italiano: ‘Still plenty of time to improve’

Speaking to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Vincenzo Italiano admitted his team lost control after the break but stressed the importance of building consistency.

“I agree, the first half I liked a lot. We were compact and conceded almost nothing. In the second half I expected Freiburg to drop physically but instead they held on until the 90th minute. We suffered a bit and it ended in a draw. It’s only a point, but it still serves us.”

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Vincenzo Italiano, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Italiano pointed to growth areas, both technically and physically and emphasised that expectations should be seen as motivation rather than pressure.

“It’s still early October, there’s plenty of time. This team has enormous margins for improvement, and I’m convinced that working with consistency we’ll find the completeness we’re looking for.”

You can read our match report for the game here.