Bologna, Orsolini: "My second home, Napoli fans messaged me" | OneFootball

On the eve of the challenge against Milan, Bologna is preparing for an important test. The Rossoblù, fresh from their success against Como, want to maintain their results in the league and arrive in the best shape for their debut in the Europa League.

Bologna, Orsolini swears loyalty: "It's my second home. After the goal against Inter, Neapolitans wrote to me in droves"

One of the most anticipated protagonists is Riccardo Orsolini, who in an exclusive interview given to Sportmediaset to Marialuisa Jacobelli, talked about his moment, reaffirming the indissoluble bond with the Rossoblù jersey.

"Bologna is my second home"

The future of the forward had been long discussed during the summer, but in the end his choice was clear: to stay. "Yes, I am happy because here I feel at home, actually a second home. I have been living in Bologna for many years, I get along well with the fans, with my teammates, with the staff. It's a healthy, family environment. I'm glad I stayed and I hope this can be an important season".

The challenge with Milan and the San Siro taboo

San Siro has never been a lucky stadium for Orsolini, who has never won in twelve previous matches (nine losses and three draws). "So I bring bad luck, then? (laughs, ed). No, we will try to reverse this trend. We go to Milan with a different awareness compared to the past. We know it will be a difficult match, but we want to bring home points".

Milan also evokes the memory of last season, with the Coppa Italia final won by the Rossoblù. "It's inevitably the most beautiful memory, an indescribable emotion. Bologna's first trophy after more than fifty years: a historic day that we will always carry with us".

"Goal against Inter? Neapolitan fans wrote to me in droves"

Last season was the best of Orsolini's career: 17 goals and high-level performances. One of the most talked about moments was the goal scored against Inter, which paved the way for Napoli's championship. "I had already said it: Neapolitan fans wrote to me in droves to thank me. I'm not their player, so that gesture of affection pleased me a lot. But I just did my job. If that goal helped them win the title, so much the better".

Italy and the new course with Gattuso

After commitments with the National team, Orsolini expressed positive feelings about the new technical commissioner. "Gattuso made a great impression right away. We still need to better assimilate his concepts, but we started well. The goal is clear: to bring Italy back to the World Cup. After missing two editions it's not just a goal, but a responsibility towards our people".

Between past and present: Italiano, Thiago Motta and the nickname "Orsonaldo"

On his growth, Orsolini preferred not to rank the coaches: "Each one has left me something. With Italiano I had my best season in terms of scoring, but I also learned a lot with Thiago Motta. I thank them both".

And about the nickname that has accompanied him for years, "Orsonaldo", the forward smiles: "Now everyone uses it, for fun or for play. I am self-deprecating, so no problem. As long as it brings luck, it's fine".

"Me and De Silvestri, reference points in the locker room"

Finally, a reflection on the specific weight of experienced figures within the group: "With Lollo De Silvestri we have a special relationship. He is an added value for Bologna, even when he doesn't play he manages to motivate the boys. Such figures in modern football are increasingly rare, but they are fundamental".

On the celebration, however, Orsolini puts his hands forward: "One like Ronaldo? No, I remain faithful to my knock. But first you have to score...".

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.