Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano demands more ahead of Celtic clash

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The Celtic Star

·20 de enero de 2026

Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano demands more ahead of Celtic clash

Pressure is mounting on Bologna heading into their Europa League meeting with Celtic, with head coach Vincenzo Italiano calling for an immediate improvement in performances…

Lewis Ferguson of Bologna FC looks dejected during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and ACF Fiorentina at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Results have stalled for the Serie A outfit, who have recorded only one win in nine matches across all competitions. Their slump continued with a 2–1 defeat to Fiorentina at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium, a display that prompted Italiano to reshuffle his side with four changes at half-time.

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Scotland international Lewis Ferguson was introduced late in the contest, and the Bologna boss has urged his squad to deliver a far sharper showing against the Hoops on Thursday.

Federico Ravaglia of Bologna FC looks dejected during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and ACF Fiorentina at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Speaking via Daily Record, Italiano said: “There’s no time to get depressed. But I want a reaction against Celtic. I want to see the real Bologna on Thursday.

“Having to make four subs at half time was certainly not part of my plans, but when six or seven of my players play badly, you can’t hope to win the game against a hungry side like Fiorentina.

“We started so slowly and gave ourselves far too much to do. So I want to see us go for it straight from the very first kick of the ball this week.”

Bologna currently sit 13th in the elongated league table amassing 11 points from their opening six matches.

The Italians have already qualified for the knockout phase but a win will push the Serie A side to the brink of a top eight place which means they will qualify directly for the last 16.

Following Celtic, Bologna face Maccabi Tel Aviv in their final game in the Europa League in neutral territory, so the Hoops’ opponents on Thursday night will be using the competition to escape their league woes.

Celtic, meanwhile, must take three points from their next two against Bologna or Utrecht if they are to qualify for the top 24. Martin O’Neill will also have his mind on Celtic’s crucial match on Sunday afternoon at Tynecastle against league leaders Hearts, where a defeat would almost certainly end Celtic’s title dreams.

Conor Spence