Italiano explains how new Champions League format can help Bologna | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano feels Bologna must make the most of home games with a new Champions League format and insists the Rossoblu don’t want to be ‘a bit player’ in the competition.

The Rossoblu are the fifth Serie A club involved in this season’s Champions League and will play in the competition for the first time in over 60 years.

Tomorrow, they host Shakhtar Donetsk at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

“We are very proud and curious about this new journey. We are convinced that we can play our cards at home. We don’t want to be a bit player,” Italiano said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Italiano explains how new Champions League format can help Bologna

“My right-hand man is here, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Riccardo Orsolini is on the left. I am sure he’ll guide this team.”

De Silvestri, the team’s most experienced player, joined Italiano for a press conference despite not being on Bologna’s UEFA list.

“This is the message we want to give: affinity and union,” insisted the Bologna coach.

“We must start again from the final 20 minutes in Como. Perhaps Champions League teams seem more structured, but I am convinced we’ll cause trouble for everyone.

“We play at our stadium, and I am sure the fans will help us. Shakhtar are accustomed to these competitions; they have more experience than us, but we must make the most of home games with this new Champions League format. We must be ready from the beginning.”