Italiano explains Bologna changes with Aston Villa: ‘Less timid’ | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano explains his surprising changes to the Bologna line-up for the Europa League opener against Aston Villa. ‘I want my team to be less timid than last season.’

It kicks off at Villa Park at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

Bologna have made six changes from the weekend in Serie A, while Aston Villa switched up four, as there are quite a few surprises in the line-ups.

Italiano outlines adjustments at Villa Park

epa12101024 Bologna’s head coach Vincenzo Italiano celebrates with his players after winning the Italian Cup final soccer match between AC Milan and Bologna FC in Rome, Italy, 14 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FEDERICO PROIETTI

“We used up a lot of energy in our last Serie A game and I feel we have substitutes like Orsolini, Rowe and Dallinga who can have a strong impact off the bench,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

“We also need to start strong, with a lot of intensity,  and I feel we can cause Aston Villa problems if we keep hold of the ball. This is the start of an incredible tour de force, so it’s important that everyone feels they are part of this project, whether they start or not.”

Bologna played here last season in the Champions League and emerged with a 2-0 defeat, but a great deal has changed since then for both clubs.

“I want my team to be less timid than we were at the start of the Champions League last season. I want to see courage, character, and to replicate what we do during the week in training. This is an exciting tournament and I hope to see us start on the right foot,” added Italiano.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna and Ian Maatsen of Aston Villa compete for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on October 22, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“I remember at the end of the match last season we received applause from our fans, as they recognised a good performance against a quality opponent. I hope Villa don’t play as well as they did then, and that my lads leave here with heads held high.”

It certainly hasn’t been a good start to the season for Aston Villa, who are still without a victory so far this season.

They scraped only three draws and two losses in the Premier League, plus Carabao Cup elimination on penalties to Brentford.