Beukema hopes Bologna meet Madrid in UCL, sends message to Calafiori and Zirkzee | OneFootball

Bologna defender Sam Beukema hopes to meet Real Madrid in the Champions League to test himself against the ‘best strikers in the world’, Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior. He also wishes his ex-teammates Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee’ the best’.

Dutch centre-back Beukema hopes to meet Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid in the Champions League this season.

Bologna qualified for Europe’s elite competition for the first time in over 60 years last season.

“I’ve never played in the Champions League and it’s a new experience for the club as well,” Beukema told Corriere dello Sport.

“However, there’s a new format and not even the other clubs know it. Obviously, we are motivated.

“We are here to improve,” continued the 25-year-old.

“I’d love to meet Real Madrid straight away and find out what I can do against Mbappé and Vinicius, the best strikers in the world.”

Bologna sold Calafiori to Arsenal and Zirkzee to Manchester United this summer and also changed their coach, given that Juventus hired Thiago Motta.

Beukema hopes Bologna meet Madrid in UCL, sends message to Calafiori and Zirkzee

Was it worse losing Calafiori or Zirkzee?

“The same,” Beukema replied.

“They deserve to progress in their careers, and I wish them the best.

“Transfers bring players here and there. I am entirely focused on Bologna. Who can say what will happen in a few seasons? Why shouldn’t Bologna become an elite club? There are the right people. Atalanta have made it and it doesn’t seem to me that they did it in a year.”

What are the main differences between Motta and Bologna’s new coach Vincenzo Italiano?

“Tactically, Italiano wants to play more vertically, while last season, we tried to keep the possession longer. Now, I can play long balls sometimes and it’s not bad. They are perfectionists. Italiano talks more during training sessions.”

Who’s the best striker has faced in Serie A?

“Lookman knows how to do everything. He is good with and without the ball at his feet. Even Zirkzee was tough during training sessions.”

Lastly, Beukema was asked his thoughts on his compatriot Teun Koopmeiners who is pushing for a move to Juventus from Atalanta.

“I know that Koop wants this transfer, and I hope he gets it,” the defender replied.

“I don’t know what happened behind the scenes with him and Atalanta. I can only say that when I am at a club, I play and work for them. I don’t want to judge anyone.”

Koopmeiners hasn’t been training for Atalanta for several days, providing a medical certificate allowing him to skip training sessions.

Juventus and Atalanta remain in talks, and the latest reports in Italy suggest that the Bianconeri are confident about completing the deal next week.