TMW exclusive
Bologna has an appointment with history tonight (of the Champions League and beyond). Vincenzo Italiano’s team will in fact be on stage at Anfield, against Liverpool, in a stadium where very few Italians have even managed to win. One of these is Fiorentina, it was the 2009/2010 season and the Viola team managed to triumph 1-2 with goals from Jorgensen and Gilardino). And he was also among the starters of that team Cesare Nataliformer defender who is right at the microphones of TuttoMercatoWeb.com remembers the emotions of that evening: “That was a strong Fiorentina, a team that already had 12 points in the group, but playing at Anfield are those feelings that as a player you carry with you forever. Many years have passed, I don’t remember everything about it past, but this specifically is among the best memories. Winning in the Champions League against a team like Liverpool, in Liverpool, is an emotion that we like to remember even when an Italian team finds itself facing the same obstacle.”
When you enter Anfield what is the first thing that strikes you? “The first thing that strikes you are the Liverpool players who in the tunnel to get to the pitch all touch the team symbol. Only they touch it, you understand that there is a different atmosphere compared to other matches and other pitches. A feeling which unites the team with the public, with history and with the city. Then you enter the pitch and there’s the anthem that everyone sings… incredible. To experience a football match you have to go inside in quotes without think about nothing and play it with a free head. Bologna won’t have to think about anything and try to play their football. Liverpool is obviously a stronger team, they play at home, but in a match like this you can’t leave with regrets. you have to play it to the best of your ability.”
After all, Italiano’s philosophy is to attack. “He is a strong coach, his mentality is able to convey it. Then it is clear that sometimes one says that he could be more prudent in certain situations, such as in the lost European finals, but I like his idea, an idea that he wants to convey regardless of the opponent. Bologna will certainly not speculate on the result.”
How do you see this year’s Bologna? “He had a great season last year, everyone did an exceptional job, from the club to the coach up to the players themselves. It’s clear that when you make a change in coach and also lose important players, the renewal takes some time I don’t know if he can repeat last season, but he can do very well anyway because the team has remained solid and has signed interesting players. I really like Castro, a real striker. Sartori sees the players first, that’s his strength Always”.