Donadoni previews two huge games between Milan and Bologna: “There is no favourite” | OneFootball

Roberto Donadoni believes that the Coppa Italia final between his two former clubs AC Milan and Bologna will start without a favourite.

Milan and Bologna play each other in Serie A on Friday night in what is Act I of a potentially season-defining double-header for both clubs. The Rossoneri need to win the final next week to get a Europa League spot given they sit in ninth, while the Rossoblu are in the Champions League race still.

Not only that, but they haven’t won a major trophy since 1974 (barring the Serie B title), and thus there is plenty of motivation to win in Rome too. Tomorrow night’s game will provide an appetiser for the main event at the Stadio Olimpico on May 14.

Donadoni was interview by La Gazzetta dello Sport to talk about the two upcoming games, given that he represented both Milan and Bologna in his career. His comments were relayed by MilanPress.

These two meetings could be something historic…

“First of all, it must be said that this is an anomalous thing. It happens that two teams meet in the league and then in the Coppa Italia or vice versa, but this time there is the cup final in the middle… Preceded by a Serie A match that for Bologna, still in the running for the Champions League, is worth a lot.”

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Is a win needed for encouragement?

“Looking at the standings, one would say so, but a few days before a final, no one wants to lose, much less make a bad impression. Milan needs a good performance and to confirm their positive moment of form.”

The new formation seems to be helping Milan…

“More than the right system, in my opinion there is now more availability and awareness on the part of all the players: the concept has spread throughout the group that certain results can only be achieved by sacrificing yourself for the team and making an extra run.”

Does this explain the growth of Theo and Leao?

“There is no doubt that they are two of the highest quality players. Leao in particular must find the consistency that has often been lacking. He has made progress, but he must confirm himself.”

What do you think about the idea of rotating before a final?

“I don’t allow myself to give advice. However, many underestimate how difficult it is to choose a team on the fly: especially if you play in European cups, you don’t have time to get to know the group and to work.

“So transmitting your idea of ​​the game is complicated. Evaluating his work by looking at the Serie A standings is reductive.”

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

What are the differences between the teams?

“Bologna will try to make the difference with its playing philosophy; Milan with its individuals.”

Who will be decisive?

“In Milan I say Pulisic and Reijnders. In Bologna it would be important for Ndoye to fully recover, as he has grown a lot. And then there is Orsolini, who I coached in Bologna: he is having a great season and has made himself attractive for the national team.”

Which team starts as favourites?

“There is no favourite. Milan have more tradition and is used to playing in finals, something that hasn’t happened to Bologna for a long time. The desire to lift that cup in the rossoblù locker room will be great, however.”

Who will have more pressure?

“Bologna can qualify for the next European cups through the league, Milan only thanks to the victory of the Coppa Italia. And for the Rossoneri to stay out of Europe for a year would be a huge shame.”