Bologna boss Italiano insists on league focus ahead of Europa League quarter-final
Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano has stressed his team's full focus remains on Serie A and this weekend's match against Cremonese, despite the looming Europa League quarter-final first leg against Aston Villa. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Italiano stated his side must secure points in their pursuit of an eighth-place finish before shifting attention to European competition next week.
Italiano confirmed his squad is dealing with several injury absences ahead of the trip to the Stadio Giovanni Zini. Goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, defender Charalampos Lykogiannis, and midfielders Jens Odgaard, Thijs Dallinga, and Nicolas Dominguez are all sidelined. The coach emphasized that the names of their upcoming European opponents, Aston Villa, have not even been mentioned in training as the entire club's concentration is fixed on the league fixture.
The primary domestic objective, according to Italiano, is securing eighth position in the Serie A table. He acknowledged the challenge posed by a Cremonese side that has recently changed managers and had a full two-week training period to prepare under new guidance, suggesting the match will be particularly difficult. Bologna currently sit in the upper half of the table, with European qualification for next season still a mathematical possibility through their league position.
This single-minded approach comes just days before a significant milestone for the club: their first-ever European quarter-final. Bologna will host Aston Villa at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara next Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League last-eight tie. Under Italiano's leadership, the club has enjoyed a historic continental campaign, having already knocked out clubs like Sporting CP and Rangers to reach this stage.
The injury list presents a significant complication for Italiano's team selection, forcing him to manage a depleted squad across two crucial competitions in a short timeframe. The absence of key figures like Skorupski in goal and creative influences in midfield will test the depth of the Bologna roster as they embark on a demanding April schedule.
Italiano's comments reflect a pragmatic strategy to avoid complacency in the league, where points are vital for securing the club's strongest possible finish. Success in both competitions would cap a remarkable season for Bologna, who have balanced domestic consistency with a thrilling European run. The immediate task, however, is navigating past a rejuvenated Cremonese to keep their league ambitions on track.
