Italiano on what Bologna lack, ‘perfect’ Calabria and Ferguson’s absence | OneFootball

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano confirmed that his side will recover Riccardo Orsolini for their clash against Torino on Friday, but warned they will need to be ‘more lucid’ if they want to return to winning ways after a goalless draw at Lecce.

The Rossoblu winger is expected to start from the bench after missing weeks of action due to injury, but despite his return, Italiano will still have to do without some of his most prominent players, as Jens Odgaard and Lewis Ferguson are also on the treatment table.

Bologna’s coach Vincenzo Italiano celebrates winning the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Bologna FC and Borussia Dortmund at Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy, 21 January 2025. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI

Italiano on Orsolini return, Ferguson’s injury and how Torino have changed

“It’s fine to evaluate what the opponent does, intensity and compactness, but in my opinion, both at Lecce and Empoli, we contributed to the outcome,” Italiano said at a pre-match press conference, as quoted by TMW.

“We were coming off cup efforts, and when we continue to receive the ball at our feet, with little dynamism, we give the other team the chance to prevent us from expressing ourselves to the fullest. The opponent limits you.

“We have to take some responsibility. In the future, I hope we find more alternatives, but at both Empoli and Lecce, we came out stronger at the end… at Lecce, we almost won, only for a shin guard to deny us. We conceded little in both games, but if we want to get full points, we’ll have to be more lucid.”

What are Torino’s main strengths?

“Torino have changed their system, they concede little, they haven’t lost this year, and they have the option of using a double system,” the coach explained.

“Odgaard, Ferguson, and Orsolini are key absences for us; we’ve used Fabbian, but with different characteristics. Fabbian is a midfielder who pushes forward, while Odgaard is essentially a forward.

“We need to control our own destiny, play at home, take advantage of the support of our fans, and use this positive moment to add important points to our standings.

“I have great respect for Torino, they concede little, have key players, and two important absences, but they are still a lively team. We’ll need to be more mobile and dynamic. Matches are won by scoring goals, creating, and producing.”

epa11820706 Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson (R) and Roma’s Manu Kone (L) in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match Bologna FC vs AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy, 12 January 2025. EPA-EFE/SERENA CAMPANINI

Italiano claimed he doesn’t know when Ferguson will be back, as he suffered a new injury shortly after returning to the pitch following a lengthy absence, while Orsolini has completed his recovery.

“I don’t know. Until his return is closer, I won’t speculate,” Italiano added.

“He’s ahead of Odgaard, and I hope next week he can join the team again.

“Yes, Orso is on his second training session with the team. He’s not at full effort yet, but I’ll take him with me to the bench, and we’ll see how the match develops.

“It’s important that he overcomes the pain so we can get him back to 100% as soon as possible.”

Bologna signed Calabria from Milan in the closing days of the transfer window, and Italiano was already full of praise for the former Rossoneri captain.

“Calabria has top football intelligence, captain of Milan, experienced despite being just 28,” he said.

“He hadn’t played much this year, but now he’s added to an already strong group with Holm and De Silvestri, replacing Posch.

“For the group of good guys we have, with a strong work ethic, he’s the perfect addition, and we’re happy to have him”.