Italiano aware of Liverpool ‘danger’, ‘Bologna have to do better’ | OneFootball

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano is excited for his first ever game at Anfield on Wednesday night, but is aware of the dangers that Liverpool threat and has told his players that they will all need to be at their absolute best to get a result against Arne Slot’s side.

Bologna will play Liverpool in their first Champions League or European away trip since 1964 when they step out onto the Anfield turf on Wednesday.

Italiano: ‘Bologna have to do better’

“It’s the first time for me, as well as for all the guys in the team, apart from De Silvestri who won here a few years ago,” Italiano told Sky Sport after the Bologna’s arrival on Merseyside on Tuesday.

“Let’s see if we can put in a great performance tomorrow and leave with our heads held high. We know the strength of our opponent and their ability to do well at home.”

Italiano has had a stuttering start to life with Bologna after replacing Thiago Motta in the summer, having picked up just won win, four draws and one loss in Serie A so far this season.

The coach insists that the Rossoblu will have to massively improve if they want to upset Liverpool in their own backyard tomorrow night.

“We have to go strong and do better in everything that we’ve done so far. They (Liverpool) know how to put their opponents in difficulty in every part of the game. We have to stick to playing our game and giving our best in terms of individual performances.

“I told the boys to be focused because this is a mini-tournament, and there is a league table where we need to pick up points. Liverpool beat Milan, they are going well in the league, but we want to create chances here.”

Italiano and Slot have one thing in common: They have both ended up on the losing side of a Conference League final. Italiano lost two on the trot with Fiorentina before joining Bologna, while Slot missed out on winning the inaugural edition of the tournament at the hands of Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

“We are still happy with our journey because it was extraordinary,” Italiano said of his recent experiences in Europe.

“Getting to a final is not easy, the journey takes a lot out of you. But this is another story, wherever you go in the Champions League, you have to fight and give your all, like we have to on this fantastic stage.”