At the end of the match the supporters who arrived at Anfield from Bologna applauded, almost with teary eyes, certainly satisfied with what they saw on the pitch. Of course, the result is not the best one could have hoped for, because Vincenzo Italiano’s team falls against Liverpool, one of the best teams in Europe, but on the return journey everyone – team and fans – will be able to keep their heads held high. At Anfield it ends 2-0 for the hosts, with goals from Mac Allister and Salah, one in each half. But i Reds they also have to thank luck, in light of the two woodwork hit by Bologna, and also super-Alisson who first sends Ndoye’s volley onto the post, then blocks Urbanski’s shot from outside and finally comes out with timing on Dallinga; in short, he shuts down Bologna in his best moment.
The best in the field? Alisson, precisely, as well as Salah and Mac Allister themselves. In Bologna instead Freuler, the captain, above all together with the very unfortunate Ndoye. At the end of the match the people of Bologna are full of pride, those in the stands and also those on the pitch: “There is a lot of pride and a lot of emotion. In football – the words of Riccardo Orsolini after the match – you can win or lose, but as we say, exploiting our game and enhancing our principles. Coming here is not easy for any team in the world, let alone for a team like ours. A less bitter defeat for us.
Italiano is also satisfied: “It’s clear that we came out the way we wanted, with our heads held high. We played a great game apart from the episodes of the two goals. In the first we could have worked better, in the second well, from that tile Salah has 100% achievement. I think Liverpool didn’t expect Bologna to be so courageous and good at turning the pitch around. It’s a shame, but I congratulated the boys, good performance, let’s start from here.” He can’t help but be right.