Italiano: ‘Bologna performances deserved more points’ | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano concedes Bologna have a major problem wasting chances after the defeat to Aston Villa. ‘Considering our performances, we have too few points in Serie A and the Champions league.’

The Rossoblu had good opportunities and plenty of possession at Villa Park, but the problem has become fairly evident from looking at the statistics.

This was their third Champions League match of the season with just one points and crucially zero goals scored.

At least it was not entirely surprising, as Aston Villa have won all their Champions League games this term, including the shock 1-0 victory at home to Bayern Munich.

“We were up against a very strong team, above all physically. They have less quality on the ball than Liverpool, but they do allow you to attack them and we had a few clear scoring opportunities,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

The way they conceded was frustrating, as John McGinn was trying to cross his free kick rather than score and Remo Freuler seemed to get the ball on that incident too.

“I thought the second goal was a foul on Fabbian first, then Remo got the ball cleanly. It was the moment that changed the game and we didn’t have the strength to fight back, even if we hit the woodwork.

“The lads were concentrated, I liked their initial approach, but at the moment it’s not going our way. It’s a pity, as once again we did some good things, but we didn’t score and conceded at the first real opportunity.

“I was talking to the lads, we all have to give something more, starting with me. We need to take care of all the details, because we created the chances today and it wasn’t enough. If someone thinks they have already given 100 per cent, then they need to raise that a bit more from tomorrow.”

Italiano acknowledges Bologna goals issue

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna and Ian Maatsen of Aston Villa compete for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on October 22, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

There is a wider issue here for Bologna, who are struggling to get to grips with the teachings of Italiano after their remarkable campaign under Thiago Motta.

They have managed just one victory all season, seven draws and three defeats.

“It’s disappointing, because considering the level of our performances, we have too few points in both Serie A and the Champions League. We above all could’ve scored goals in Europe and it’s a pity,” continued Italiano.

“We will work harder, be even more concentrated during training. We changed a few things tactically in the second half, we’re trying everything. I remain convinced that if we keep working, we’ll achieve some satisfaction.”

It was oddly something very similar to Italiano’s Fiorentina, who reached the Conference League Final twice and the Coppa Italia Final too, but tended to struggle when finishing their chances.

Is the coach giving his team extra shooting drills in training to focus on their finishing?

“It’s good that we continue to create these opportunities against great teams. I remain convinced that Dallinga, Castro, Ndoye and Orsolini have the quality to do more than we’re seeing in front of goal. I don’t know what the spark could be, but we have to keep trying to create those chances and then keep cool when one-on-one.

“We defended well today against Aston Villa, but it’s upfront where we need to do something different and step up a level.”

This was Bologna’s second Champions League defeat in England after the loss to Liverpool at Anfield Road. What did Italiano learn from the Premier League opponents?

“They have a high tempo, intensity, are extremely physical and if we want to compete against these teams, we have to raise our game in that sense. The speed of their counter-attacks is also remarkable, but I feel that leaving these games with heads held high can only help us going forward.”