Vincenzo Italiano, the coach of Bologna, has already expressed his impressions about FCSB, which he unequivocally referred to as „Steaua Bucharest,” his future opponent in the main group of the Europa League.
The coach commented on the draw for the main phase of the UEFA Europa League and highlighted the difficulty of the group where opponents of caliber such as RB Salzburg, Celtic, Aston Villa, Freiburg, Celta Vigo, Maccabi Tel Aviv, SC Brann, and… „Steaua Bucharest” (FCSB) are lined up.
He described the group as "complicated, with experienced teams and history in European competitions." In his opinion, teams like Salzburg have been constant presences in European competitions in the last 20 years, Celtic continues to dominate in Scotland, while Maccabi Tel Aviv and Steaua (FCSB) are coming after consecutive titles in their countries. Freiburg has performed well in Europe recently, Celta has returned after the 2017 semifinal, and Brann has the advantage of active playing rhythm, as the championship is ongoing — plus Bologna knows Aston Villa well, after their direct confrontation in the Champions League last year.
In conclusion, Italiano emphasized: "There will be 8 tough matches and we will have to manage them well, also taking advantage of our supporters' support when playing at Dall'Ara."
"It is a tough group, with experienced teams and history in European competitions. Salzburg has been a regular name in European cups in the last 20 years, Celtic has won 55 titles and continues to dominate in Scotland. Maccabi Tel Aviv and Steaua Bucharest (FCSB) are coming after consecutive titles in their countries, Freiburg has fared well in Europe in recent years, and Celta has returned to international competitions after being in the Europa League semifinals in 2017. Brann is in the midst of their championship, which began in April, so they will have playing rhythm, and we also have Aston Villa, whom we know well. We faced them last year in the Champions League and we know how strong and organized they are. There will be 8 tough matches and we will have to manage them well, also taking advantage of our supporters' support when playing at Dall'Ara," commented Vicenzo Italiano, according to the club's official website.
FCSB will play at home against Bologna on October 23, at 7:45 p.m., at the National Arena.
D.A.