'It’s been a big campaign in Europe for Bologna'

Fixtures Bologna Vs. Aston Villa - Thu, Apr 9th 2026, 20:00 Bologna have been enjoying their journey through the UEFA Europa League this season. The Serie A side has put together an 11-game unbeaten run to reach the quarter-finals following a 1-0 loss at Villa Park on Matchday One of the league phase. A dramatic victory against AS Roma in the Round of 16 sparked euphoric scenes for the Rossoblù, and they’re eagerly anticipating a big occasion at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in Thursday's first leg. Ahead of the game, Leonardo Bosello, who commentates on the club’s games for Radio Nettuno Bologna Uno, gives us an insight into Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna… How has Bologna’s season been up to this point? "It’s been a strange season because, after the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in Birmingham, Bologna haven’t lost in the Europa League. It’s now 11 positive results in a row, so it’s been a big campaign in Europe. In Serie A, it’s not the same. Bologna played really well until the end of November and the first weeks of December, but after a strong Supercoppa in Saudi Arabia, they started to lose a lot of matches, including several at home in Dall’Ara. "They have lost a lot at home to clubs like Fiorentina, Cremonese, Hellas Verona and Parma, who are all towards the bottom of the table. Bologna has lost a lot of points in Serie A, and that’s why they’re ninth in the standings. Winning the Europa League is the only possibility to qualify for Europe for a third consecutive season." Has the club embraced European football over the past two seasons? "Last season, it was the first time the club have been in the Champions League, so it was an occasion just to be there and rather than fighting to qualify for the knockout rounds. It was an amazing thing, but it wasn’t easy to win matches, and Bologna only won once, beating Borussia Dortmund at home. "The Europa League has been different; it’s a tournament where the team can do good things, giving the club a good dimension to compete. In the league phase, Bologna showed a good style of European football and it has suited them because teams in the Europa League aren’t as defensive as those in Serie A. Open matches suit this Bologna team, and they have increased their level in this competition. It’s better suited to Italiano’s team. We wish the match in Dall’Ara against Villa will be like this." The Round of 16 saw a dramatic victory against AS Roma. How much did that mean to Bologna? "After the final of the Coppa Italia in May 2025, the second leg in the Stadio Olimpico is the best match Bologna has played in the last 20 years. That match was full of passion for both sets of fans, good goals, and mistakes in defence. Bologna is an offensive, aggressive team and it’s not as easy for them to prepare a defensive match or to play in defensive positions." "It will be an amazing night because it’s not very usual to see a European quarter-final in Bologna. There will be a lot of passion, and you will see a great Italian atmosphere." - Leonardo Bosello (Radio Nettuno Bologna Uno) Aston Villa and Bologna have played twice in recent times. How are the fans in Italy feeling about the quarter-final? "All the fans in Bologna are thinking that Aston Villa are the favourites to get through, and even Italiano said the same after the win against Roma. Playing in Birmingham last September was a different match to the first time in the Champions League. Bologna have increased their confidence in Europe and know more about the atmosphere in Villa Park – it won’t be uncommon for them now. "The fans and the media feel Villa are the favourites, but in football, never say never. Bologna wants to start well at home in Dall’Ara and the first leg will be crucial to see if the team can achieve a win. The second leg will be different. I think that Bologna is now playing against the best team in this competition." Who are the players to watch out for in this Bologna team? "Santiago Castro is one of the best players in this team. He’s scored a lot of goals this season, and he’s also started to score in Europe. He didn’t score in the Champions League and he didn’t score in the league phase this season, but he has scored in both knockout rounds. He’s 21-years-old, aggressive, talented, and he’s important for how the team wants to attack. Jhon Lucumí, the centre-back, is the most important defender in Bologna. He’s essential for all the things Bologna must do to defend and he’s also very good with the ball. He missed January through injury and the team played badly without him. "Federico Bernardeschi is the most well-known player, arriving last summer after playing in the MLS. In the Europa League, he’s scored five goals, and his experience is so useful for the team. On the other wing, Jonathan Rowe is the most expensive transfer for Bologna in the last 20 years. He didn’t start so well, but in the last three months, he’s played really well. These are the key players of the season." Villa are playing at Dall’Ara for the first time. What kind of atmosphere can supporters expect? "It will be an amazing night because it’s not very usual to see a European quarter-final in Bologna. There will be a lot of passion, and you will see a great Italian atmosphere. The supporters continue to chant throughout the game, pushing the team in every second. You will hear a lot of noise during the match because it will be an intense atmosphere. Bologna fans know the first leg can be a big possibility to have an advantage for the second leg."