On the eve of the second leg of the Europa League playoffs against Brann, the Bologna coach warns: “It will be tough, we have to take advantage of the one-goal lead. They are organized and will raise the pace…”
The Bodo can teach something: for example not to underestimate the Norwegian strength. Bologna arrives at tomorrow evening’s match (9pm) with a one-goal advantage and three games in a row won between the championship and the Europa League. Brann has been preparing since last Saturday in Sasso Marconi: it is not the match of a lifetime but ousting another Italian team would be equivalent to a triumph for Norwegian football. “Norwegian football is growing greatly, as demonstrated by the national team and the players they have at their disposal – says Vincenzo Italiano -: we have a one-goal lead, but we are at 51% and they are 49%; a small advantage that must make us keep our antennas straight. Their football is growing greatly, including tactically: it will be tough but we must try to exploit this small advantage we have”.
Castro Dallinga
—
On the left there is the full emergency. Lykogiannis will be back in a week, Miranda will have to sit out three weeks due to a muscle problem (ileo-psoas injury); there will most likely be Zortea (adapted) on the left. “I have played on the left several times – says Nadir Zortea -, it’s a role I can play. The team needs me and therefore if necessary I will also play on the left”. Then the Norwegian reporters ask about Helland’s absence (but it has already been decided post-market to include one more striker and one less defender) and on the Castro-Dallinga ballot here is the answer. “I don’t know yet who will be the starter – continues Italiano – because sometimes players spend a lot and then get hurt. There are those who recover faster and those who don’t, but the two have the utmost respect and trust so whoever goes on the pitch must drag us along because the qualities of whoever is in front makes the difference. Bernardeschi? He still has margin, before injuring his shoulder he was reaching an important level: physically he is an animal, that injury slowed him down but he is returning to his usual plans”.
rhythms
—
Accessing the round of 16 would be a boost of confidence and a UEFA gain (the loot would reach over 15 million) but above all it would be equivalent to finding either Roma or Freiburg. In the meantime, however, we need to think about current events: Brann is in the middle period, they concluded their pre-season retreat two weeks ago, after Bologna they will have their first official match on 7 March in the Norwegian Cup. “Our focus is on doing well but there are periods in which you have injuries and this time we have Miranda and Heggem out – continues Italiano -: in the meantime we have to get through this round, to give ourselves and the people other steps in this Europe. Rejoicing at the end is what we want. What Brann do I expect? An organized team, which wants to dare to put the result in place, raising the pace, then we will have to be good at playing it well. It’s an organized team, which knows what it has to do. Odgaard? Ten days ago he played as a starter for Milan and Lazio, then with so many games in a row you can also make choices: but I certainly won’t forget about him, Jens can be a midfielder, three different roles, he’s a boy who can give us certain advantages, I’ll decide tomorrow morning.” As always.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
