Vincenzo Italiano identifies where Bologna ‘could’ve done better’ in their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, but remains confident they can get beyond this phase of the Europa League.
The Rossoblu had lost 2-0 here in the Champions League last season and were hoping for improvements, which there were to a degree, as they were only beaten 1-0 this evening.
That was largely because Lukasz Skorupski parried an Ollie Watkins penalty after the John McGinn opener, making several other big saves too.
Santiago Castro had the best chance to equalise with his header off the bar, then deep into stoppages a Martin Vitik looping finish was clawed out from under the bar by Marco Bizot.
Italiano had high hopes for Bologna
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna FC 1909, checks his watch on the sidelines during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
“Analysing the match, Aston Villa frequently had these breaks and attacks in the first 20 minutes, earning too many corners, and we allowed a shot from the edge of the area for the goal,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
“After that, we worked well, creating a lot of good situations, though we could’ve made better choices in the final third. We continued to do that in the second half, but I remain content with the spirit shown by the lads, it’s just a shame we are not bringing any points home.”
Bologna have still not quite got into gear yet this season, so what isn’t working?
“We can pass the ball with better quality in the opposition half, also playing better out from the back. We still need to fully bring in the new players, as they still need time to adapt to their surroundings.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Donyell Malen of Aston Villa is tackled by Lukasz Skorupski of Bologna FC 1909 during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Bologna were caught offside nine times by the high Aston Villa defensive line, which made it very difficult for them to create many dangerous scoring opportunities.
“We knew that was their style from last year, so we could’ve attacked them better, but too many times we got it wrong. They have a very courageous approach, but we could’ve certainly done better.”
It is not the start to the Europa League that Italiano wanted, but it does confirm the curious record this season, as Bologna have lost all their away fixtures by 1-0 scorelines at Roma, Milan, and Aston Villa.
“Last season we knew that qualification from the Champions League first phase was going to be extremely difficult, so this year we have the objective of qualifying for the play-offs or even directly to the next phase in the Europa League,” noted Italiano.
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