Bologna 1-1 Roma – Italiano: ’50/50 chance of going through, Bernardeschi was great’ | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano was in upbeat mood after Bologna held Roma to a 1-1 draw in the Europa League round of 16 first leg at the Renato Dall’Ara, insisting the tie remains very much alive and praising his side’s attitude throughout a performance that reminded him of their best football earlier in the season.

Federico Bernardeschi was the standout figure for the hosts, opening the scoring with a fine goal and causing Roma problems throughout. “He played a great match, you could see it from the very first minute when he made that burst down the right,” Italiano said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“He scored a beautiful goal and could have hurt them on other occasions too, but Svilar pulled off a miracle save.”

BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Bologna 1-1 Roma – Italiano: ‘We had more chances than them’

Lorenzo Pellegrini’s equaliser threatened to knock the wind from Bologna’s sails, but Italiano insisted his side remained composed and continued to create.

A Vitik effort that struck the crossbar was the closest they came to a second, and the Italian felt his team deserved more from the evening.

“We had more chances than them but were unlucky,” he said. “I was pleased with the attitude and application, I congratulated the players afterwards.”

On the tie’s prospects, Italiano was honest about the challenge awaiting at the Olimpico, though he refused to concede any ground. “I would say 51% Roma and 49% us, only because of the atmosphere they will have at home,” he said. “We wanted a more open result and a win would have given us a slight edge, but a draw is fine. We will go there and give everything.”

Italiano also took aim at the referee’s handling of N’Dicka, claiming the Roma defender consistently held and shirt-pulled Santiago Castro without punishment. “Had he been booked, Castro could have found more solutions for us,” he said pointedly.

His admiration for opposite number Gasperini, however, was genuine. “I respect him enormously for the identity he gives his teams,” he said. “It will be a pleasure to face him again.”