Bologna’s Frustrating Start in the Champions League: What Went Wrong?
Bologna, the Italian side, made their long-awaited return to European competition after nearly two decades. However, their Champions League debut did not go as planned, as they were held to a disappointing draw against Shakhtar Donetsk. This result adds to their winless streak, leaving manager Vincenzo Italiano with a lot to ponder.
Bologna’s First Taste of European Glory
For Bologna, this Champions League campaign marks a significant milestone. Their last appearance in European competition was way back in 2002, and this is their first time participating in the top-tier tournament since 1964 in the European Cup. Naturally, expectations were high for a positive start in Europe.
Struggles in Serie A
Before their Champions League opener, Bologna had endured a challenging start to the Serie A season. With three draws and a loss, they found themselves languishing in 17th place after four games. The lack of victories in the domestic league only added to the pressure on Italiano and his team to perform well in Europe.
Injuries Hampering Bologna’s Progress
One of the major factors contributing to Bologna’s struggles has been the absence of key players due to injury. Captain Lewis Ferguson, forward Nicolo Cambiaghi, and midfielder Oussama El Azzouzi have all been sidelined with serious injuries, depriving the team of their talents. This lack of depth in the squad has undoubtedly affected Bologna’s performance on the pitch.
Missed Opportunities Against Shakhtar Donetsk
The match against Shakhtar Donetsk presented Bologna with an early opportunity to make an impact in the Champions League. However, they failed to convert their dominance into goals. Bologna had a staggering 17 shots compared to Shakhtar’s four, as reported by FotMob. Despite their attacking intent, they were unable to find the back of the net, leading to a frustrating goalless draw.
Skorupski’s Heroics and Bologna’s Regrets
One of the key moments in the game came when goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski saved Georgiy Sudakov’s penalty. This crucial intervention prevented Shakhtar from taking an early lead and potentially changing the course of the match. Italiano acknowledged Skorupski’s heroics and expressed his regrets about not capitalizing on the chances created by his team.
Looking Ahead: Bologna’s Next Challenges
Bologna’s Champions League journey continues with a visit to Anfield to face Liverpool on October 2. Before that, they have two Serie A fixtures against Monza and Atalanta, where they will be eager to secure their first win of the season. The absence of key players and the departure of some familiar faces from last season’s squad present additional challenges for Italiano and his team.
Key Takeaways
Bologna’s disappointing start in the Champions League highlights the difficulties they have faced. Injuries to key players, missed opportunities in front of goal, and a lack of victories in Serie A have all contributed to their winless streak. However, there are positives to draw from their dominant performance against Shakhtar Donetsk, and Italiano will be hopeful that his team can build on this as they face Liverpool and other challenges in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Bologna’s return to the Champions League after a long absence has not gone according to plan. However, there are still opportunities for them to turn things around and make a mark in the competition. With the right approach and a bit of luck, Bologna can overcome their early setbacks and showcase their talent on the European stage.