Bologna Living The Dream With Champions League Clash At Liverpool

AFP/APP

Milan, Italy: Bologna is set to play their biggest match in 60 years on Wednesday, taking on Liverpool at Anfield in a fixture that fans have eagerly anticipated since the Serie A team surprisingly qualified for the Champions League.

Last crowned Italian champions in 1964, Bologna’s last European venture ended in disappointment that same year when they were eliminated on a coin toss by Anderlecht in the preliminary round of the old European Cup.

This season’s revamped Champions League feels like a debut for Bologna, a sentiment reflected in the celebrations of around 40,000 fans in the center of Bologna after last season’s qualification was secured.

The team finished fifth in Serie A, their highest league position since 1971, capitalizing on the league’s additional spot in the elite club competition.

However, Bologna faces challenges with the departures of last season’s standout players, Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori, both of whom moved to the Premier League.

Their former coach, Thiago Motta, has also been replaced by Vincenzo Italiano, who has had a difficult start, achieving just one win from six matches in all competitions. The team’s recent 1-1 draw against Atalanta marked their fifth stalemate of the season.

“It’s crucial for us to maintain our focus and adapt to the Champions League rhythm,” Italiano remarked after the Atalanta match, acknowledging the high level of competition they will face at Anfield.

Currently, Bologna has one point in the tournament’s new league phase, following a goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk at a rain-soaked Stadio Dell’Ara two weeks ago.

A silver lining for Bologna is the expertise of transfer maestro Giovanni Sartori, known for signing young talent and enhancing the fortunes of underdog clubs.

Sartori was instrumental in building successful Chievo and Atalanta teams that reached the Champions League, and now, Bologna hopes to benefit from his acumen.

One bright prospect is Argentine striker Santiago Castro, who has made a strong start to the season, scoring three times, including impressive long-range strikes. He is expected to be fit for the Liverpool match after recovering from a calf injury.

“He’s extraordinary a young lad who’s developing day by day,” Italiano praised Castro, emphasizing his hard work and potential for growth.

While it would require an exceptional performance from Bologna and a rare off night for Liverpool to secure points at Anfield, simply participating in such high-stakes matches is an honor for a club whose last major trophy was the 1974 Italian Cup.