Italiano reveals new Bologna role for Ferguson against Celtic | OneFootball

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano confirms a new role for Lewis Ferguson against Celtic in the Europa League this evening. ‘I hope this tournament can give us a boost.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Roma vs. Stuttgart on the Liveblog.

The Rossoblu are in a strong position to not only lock down a play-off spot, but even push for a top eight finish, after winning three of their last four Europa League ties.

However, there is an injury crisis against Celtic this evening, as Santiago Castro, Federico Bernardeschi and Jhon Lucumi are out, with Martin Vitik and Riccardo Orsolini only fit for the bench.

Giovanni Fabbian completed his transfer to Fiorentina yesterday, but replacement Simon Sohm is ineligible for this stage of the competition.

Italiano makes changes for Bologna in Europe

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 22: David Neres of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Lewis Ferguson of Bologna during the Supercoppa Italiana Final between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at King Saud University Stadium on December 22, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“Odgaard and Cambiaghi are kept as options to introduce off the bench if we need a change of pace. Jens can play in three different roles, including as a centre-forward,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

“I can also confirm Ferguson will be playing in a more advanced role behind Dallinga, somewhere he used to play in the past.”

Bologna have stuttered badly in Serie A lately, scraping only one win, two draws and three losses in 2026.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, reacts as he leaves the dugout at half-time during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We hope to give some enthusiasm to these fans, who haven’t seen us win here in a while, and that the Europa League can give us a boost,” continued the coach.

“I think we had a bit of a reaction, but we’ve had a lot of injuries, the Supercoppa Italiana, which also takes a lot out of you. We’ve got Skorupski back today, Bernardeschi will return tomorrow, and I hope that with more players back, we can get back to playing some of our football.

“I remain hopeful, I don’t believe we have lost everything that we had in just a few months.”

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 22: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, reacts during the Supercoppa Italiana Final between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at King Saud University Stadium on December 22, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

This evening’s opponents Celtic were recently crushed 3-0 at home by Roma, but have since taken on their third coach of the campaign, back under the stewardship of Martin O’Neill.

“Celtic are regulars in Europe, even sometimes the Champions League, so they are accustomed to playing every three days, and built to cover multiple tournaments,” warned Italiano.

“They are having some problems, but are still one of the best teams in Scotland and deserve respect.”