After the 0-0 draw in their Champions League debut against Shakhtar Donetsk, for Bologna in the Champions League comes the prestigious match at Anfield against Liverpool. The technician Vincenzo Italiano thus presented the challenge to the microphones of Sky Sports: “For me it’s the first time, as well as for the guys on the team. Apart from De Silvestri who won here a few years ago… Let’s see if tomorrow we can put in a great performance to go out with our heads held high. We know the strength of our opponent and the ability to exalt oneself within the walls of one’s home”.
A comment on Freuler. “One of the leaders of this team, above all a leader, never gives up in training, doesn’t miss a minute. Every year he plays many matches, he is a born leader, I am convinced that his international experience can help the younger guys”.
Castro trained. “He had suffered a blow to his calf, he is fine, he trained and we will have him 100%.”
Principles to keep in mind. “We have to go strong and do better in everything we’ve done up to now. They know how to put you in difficulty from every point of view, we have to play our game giving our best in terms of individual performance. I told the boys “let’s concentrate” because this is a mini tournament and there is a ranking to be able to score points. Liverpool beat Milan, they are doing well in the league, but we want to take our chances.”
Then there will be Bologna-Parma. “We’re interested, but we’re interested in this first. Because we don’t want to be extras in this competition. Then there’s the championship where we have to move up, it’s a match before the break and we have to try to give our best.”
What to work on. “My players are starting to get into the rhythm of the European midweek matches. I saw them very, very focused and this gives me hope.”
Slot also lost a conference final. “The path remains, because it was extraordinary. Getting to the finals is not easy, the path leaves you with a lot. But this is another story, wherever you go in the Champions League you have to fight and give your all. Like on this fantastic stage “.
She would have liked to play this match. “I would play them all, even the matches during training…”.