Italiano warns Juventus: Bologna will ‘try to make history’ in Serie A clash

TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 07: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of ACF Fiorentina, looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on April 07, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano has warned that his side are trying to ‘make history’ when Juventus visit the Dall’Ara in Serie A on Sunday and brought up the fact that he has already got the better of the Bianconeri both as a player and as a coach. 

In a massive game in the fight for Champions qualification, fifth-placed Bologna host fourth-placed Juventus on Sunday with just one point separating the two teams ahead of kick-off. 

Roma and Lazio sit just one point behind Bologna, while eighth-placed Fiorentina are just three points off the Champions spots with four games left to play, leaving the race for top four wide open. 

Italiano warns: ‘I’ve beaten Juventus as a player and coach’ 

Italiano is enjoying an incredibly successful first campaign in charge of Bologna. The Rossoblu are into the Coppa Italia final for the first time in over 50 years, will play in the Supercoppa Italiana for the first time ever as a result, and are now pushing for two consecutive seasons in the Champions. 

Bologna had only previously featured in the preliminary rounds of the European Cup in 1964-65 before this season. 

All this in spite of the fact that there was a change of head coach, plus sales of high-profile players including Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee during the summer transfer window.

“We will try to make history tomorrow as well,” Italiano said in his pre-match press conference ahead of his test against Juventus coming up on Sunday. 

“Juventus are strong, and since they’ve changed tactically, they’ve had some great performances. We have to assert our strength at home though, because we’ve given everyone a hard time here. 

“Tomorrow could be an important day but there are still 12 points to play for, which means a lot, and I think we will have to fight until the final day. That means that tomorrow is an important stage in this final push. We want to avoid swallowing a bitter pill, we’ve prepared well.”

Italiano also revealed which three of his Bologna squad will be unavailable to play against Juventus. 

“The boys are fine, except for Ndoye, Holm and Pedrola. We will get the first two back soon, but I feel sorry for Pedrola. 

He continued: “I beat Juve both as a player and as a coach. 

“Juve have excelled ever since I was born, one of the strongest teams in Europe. I’ve seen lots of different Juventuses, from the one under Lippi to all the others. They’re always a difficult team to face, especially at their place, but it’s normal for that to be the vase. 

Italiano gives verdict on Juventus striker Vlahovic

Italiano was asked if his approach will change given that Dusan Vlahovic, whom he coached at Fiorentina, will be unavailable on Sunday. 

He replied: “I had Dusan for six months and I continue to say that I saw a phenomenal player given what he gave me, for the goals he scored and the approach he had. The fact that he is not there tomorrow is advantageous for us, I think, because someone like him is always dangerous. 

“However, they will have Kolo Muani, another champion to whom we must pay attention. We’ve analysed their development with the ball and we will try to be ready for every situation.” 

Italiano gives Bologna team news for Juventus 

Aside from the absences of Dan Ndoye, Emil Holm and Estanis Pedrola, Bologna are expected to have the rest of their squad available. 

Santiago Castro is not yet fully fit, but could still be involved, Italiano revealed. 

“Castro has been doing much better since yesterday, not 100%, but he feels looser and I’ve seen him doing very well. He’s coming from a long period of not playing full games, so he will not be in top condition, but the pain in his foot has improved. 

“I’ve seen Ferguson doing well. He pushed this week and is 100% healed. 

“Dallinga is moving well for me, with and without the ball, and I’m talking in comparison to when he arrived at the beginning of the year. Dallinga and Castro are our no.9s. Santiago is coming back and Dallinga is constantly improving.”