Italiano backs Rowe and makes admission over Ndoye and Beukema: ‘No small thing’ | OneFootball

Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano has admitted that losing two key players in Dan Ndoye and Sam Beukema during the summer transfer window was ‘no small thing’ for the Rossoblu, and has given his full support to new recruit Jonathan Rowe: ‘I don’t know what you expected from him’.

Italiano spoke about the club’s summer business during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Europa League clash between Bologna and SC Freiburg on Thursday evening.

Bologna lost their first Europa League match of the campaign in a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa last week, and currently sit ninth in the Serie A table with two wins, one draw and two losses from their opening five games of the season.

What Italiano said about Bologna’s transfer business

Italiano has admitted that losing such key players in Ndoye and Beukema has had an impact on his side’s results, but believes that the new recruits will live up to expectations if given the benefit of patience.

ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Dan Ndoye of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images) (Napoli links)

“I think that taking away two key players from an organised chessboard like ours, which had balance and chemistry, is no small thing,” Italiano said during his pre-match press conference.

He added, however: “Let’s not forget that both Sam and Dan needed to get in tune with the rest of the group at the beginning and then blossomed later.

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Sam Beukema of Bologna FC celebrates with the fans after the team’s victory during the Serie A TIM match between SS Lazio and Bologna FC at Stadio Olimpico on February 18, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“We’re on the same wavelength this year and I’m convinced we have the right foundations. With a little time, patience, trust and enthusiasm, I’m sure that the new guys will also get there. I’ve spoken about this with the guys, we all need to give more.”

Among Bologna’s summer signings was England youth international Jonathan Rowe, who has only started once since joining from Marseille in August.

“I don’t know what you all expected,” Italiano said of the former Norwich City talent.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA – JUNE 28: Jonathan Rowe of England celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Final match between England and Germany at National Football stadium on June 28, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

“I liked his first-half performance against Lecce. He made his full debut in a tough away game. It takes time to settle in, and I didn’t expect anything more than what I saw. We can’t have everything immediately.

“I think that in a few weeks, he will score, lose the ball a bit less, reduce the number of mistakes and raise the overall quality. We just need a bit of patience, but I’m sure it will come.”