Bologna need goals I It is Thijs Dallinga’s turn in the limelight | OneFootball

With Santiago Castro being monitored by Chelsea, and Ciro Immobile injured, attention at Bologna has turned to Thijs Dallinga.

The 25-year-old Dutch striker recently celebrated his 50th appearance for the club, yet his record in front of goal leaves a lot to be desired if he is to be one of the main men leading the line. As La Gazzetta dello Sport have suggested, more is really required of the forward.

Before his recent hamstring injury, Immobile’s Serie A return saw him take his place at the forefront under Vincenzo Italiano. Now, Dallinga seems destined to start against Cagliari, and this game seems like an opportunity he can’t afford to waste.

In the formative stages of the season, he’s provided three assists, all in the last two matchdays. And yet, the club expects a leap in quality with goals. He has scored seven goals between last year and the start of this term in all competitions. Giovanni Sartori, a man with a keen eye, has touted the once-prolific forward to take his chances: “It will be Dallinga’s year,” he said.

Dallinga, himself, has acknowledged that he’s different from Zirkzee, but he’s comfortable alongside Castro. Italiano wants to see the load shared from Orsolini and Castro, and it’s clear that Dallinga, especially in the league, can make a difference with improved stats.

“I want to score goals and play well”, has been the resounding message. He now has to make that happen, bettering his three league goals last season while tapping into the form that saw him register 37 in 86 all-competition games for Toulouse, and 36 in 44 for Excelsior Rotterdam.

GIFN | Max Bradfield