Italiano: ‘Bologna paying a heavy price for obvious errors’

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano explains his squad choices for the Europa League game with Maccabi Tel-Aviv, warning they are ‘paying a heavy price’ for errors lately.

It kicks off on neutral turf at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Panathinaikos vs. Roma on the Liveblog.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna FC 1909, reacts during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

This is the final round of the league phase, and Bologna are among the teams guaranteed at least a spot in the play-offs, but it is not mathematically impossible yet to aim for the top eight and direct access to the Round of 16.

Italiano outlines Bologna choices

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 22: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, reacts during the Supercoppa Italiana Final between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at King Saud University Stadium on December 22, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

“We have a small chance of getting into the top eight, but we’re preparing for the play-offs,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

They have been stuttering badly in 2026, managing one victory, three stalemates and four losses in all competition, dropping a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Genoa in Serie A on Sunday when down to 10 men.

“In the last five games, I think we improved in our performances, albeit not in terms of results. What we have to fix is those errors that are too obvious and we are paying a heavy price for. We need to be aware of danger and go back to being the team we were.”

VIGO, SPAIN – DECEMBER 11: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Real Club Celta and Bologna FC 1909 at Estadio Balaidos on December 11, 2025 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Bernardeschi was tipped to make his comeback in the starting XI after fracturing his clavicle, but is on the bench instead, with Riccardo Orsolini and Jonathan Rowe fanning out behind Santiago Castro.

“I spoke to Bernardeschi before coming to the stadium and we prefer to ease him back in gradually,” continued Italiano.

“He wouldn’t be guaranteed much playing time with his fitness levels, so I’d prefer to see him come on later and push to his best. We need his quality and experience later in the game, so he starts from the bench.

“Rowe is in good shape, he proved that he can play on the right or left, so it’s fair to give him consistent playing time. I see him improved in his focus and the connection with his teammates, so he deserves to keep his spot. Playing on the other flank, he can cut inside and shoot with his stronger foot, so I’m curious to see him in action tonight.”