Bologna Manager Italiano Stresses Importance of both Serie A and Coppa Italia Clashes Against Milan

Bologna’s head coach, Vincenzo Italiano, emphasizes the significance of both the upcoming matches against Milan, expressing no preference between tonight’s Serie A showdown and Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final.

The Serie A fixture kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT, 20.45 CET), setting the stage for two crucial encounters between these teams. They will cross paths again at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome for the Coppa Italia Final on Wednesday, May 14.

“Both games hold great importance,” Italiano shared with Sky Sport Italia. “Tonight’s match is a pivotal point in our season. We aim to secure points and deliver a robust performance to optimally prepare for Wednesday.”

Italiano refuses to prioritize either the Serie A or the Coppa Italia match. Despite recent slowdowns with draws against Udinese and Juventus, Bologna sits just a point behind Juventus and Roma, who are tied for fourth place. This proximity in standings reduces their incentive to rotate players, unlike Milan, though changes are still anticipated as they gear up for their first Coppa Italia Final in over five decades.

“My decisions are informed by both the starting lineup and those set to come in as substitutes,” Italiano added. “We possess players capable of posing challenges for Milan, and, as seen recently, our substitutes significantly impact the game.”

Absent from the squad traveling to San Siro are Dan Ndoye, Emil Holm, Estanis Pedrola, and Jens Odgaard. Instead, Nikola Moro, Martin Erlic, Tommaso Pobega, and Benjamin Dominguez have been selected for the starting eleven.