‘Bologna climbed a mountain, now underdogs with Aston Villa too’ after 4-3 victory

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gamers of Bologna rejoice after the group’s victory within the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Spherical of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Picture by Paolo Bruno/Getty Photos)

Vincenzo Italiano insists Roma ‘are superior in each manner, however Bologna climbed a mountain’ to arrange a Europa League quarter-final conflict with Aston Villa. ‘We’ll be the underdogs there too.’

The Rossoblu will face Aston Villa within the Europa League quarter-final, and go in as underdogs, however that was additionally the case on this all-Italian derby with Roma.

“Now we have already confronted Aston Villa on their turf twice, so we go in once more understanding that we’re the underdogs, however we’ll put together one thing and attempt to do one thing else extraordinary,” Italiano advised Sky Sport Italia.

The primary leg shall be on the Stadio Dall’Ara on April 9, with the decider at Villa Park every week later.

Italiano hails Bologna coup in Everlasting Metropolis

“You noticed the environment within the stadium from the beginning, we have been towards a robust facet and I stated our odds have been 49-51 to undergo, however we managed to show them round and proceed in an necessary European competitors.

“The match was great, we’re really glad to come back right here and do what we did, which was climb the mountain. I can solely congratulate the lads for a rare efficiency, as successful on this environment towards this Roma facet was a real achievement.”

They have been by no means behind on this tie at any level, conceding the equaliser for a 1-1 draw within the first leg on the Stadio Dall’Ara, then stepping into entrance right here too with Jonathan Rowe’s scorcher.

Bologna have been even 3-1 up on the Stadio Olimpico via Federico Bernardeschi’s penalty and Santiago Castro, solely to fumble it for 3-3 and go into additional time.

Right here too, contemporary legs have been decisive with Nicolò Cambiaghi off the bench to squeeze within the end from the tightest of angles.

“We struggled within the first 20 minutes to maintain the strain on Roma, however then we began to take maintain of their half and start to do extra of what we had ready,” continued Italiano.

“When you get into additional time, it’s first objective wins, and we managed to get the objective.”

The Stadio Olimpico is confirmed as a optimistic venue for Bologna, who already had wild celebrations right here final 12 months when beating Milan within the Coppa Italia Remaining to elevate their first piece of silverware for 51 years.

Italiano clearly additionally has a particular affinity with Cup competitions, as he additionally took Fiorentina to 2 Convention League Finals and a Coppa Italia Remaining earlier than coming to Bologna.

“I simply attempt to honour every competitors in the absolute best manner, have the suitable spirit, preparation, and utmost effort. It’s not a really lengthy path in these tournaments, so that you attempt to discover methods to trigger issues for opponents, even when they’re of a better high quality on paper.

“We received via a troublesome league section, received a tough play-off, and right this moment beat a group that’s superior to us in each manner. Nevertheless, taking part in your playing cards in the easiest way brings you to those outcomes.”

Bologna gamers are nonetheless celebrating below the part of away supporters within the stands whereas Italiano is giving his interviews.

“I needed to rush again and go away the lads throughout their celebration, as a result of since I had that pneumonia, the physician desires me to right away get again the place it’s heat and wrap up,” smiled Italiano.

The coach spent among the season having to direct his group’s coaching classes remotely, as he was hospitalised for every week with pneumonia.

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