Bologna are preparing for their biggest football moment in six decades as they face Liverpool at Anfield in Wednesday’s Champions League showdown. The Serie A club, last crowned Italian champions in 1964, made a brief appearance in the old European Cup that same year but were eliminated by Anderlecht on a coin toss.
This season’s campaign in the modern Champions League feels more like a debut for Bologna, and the excitement was palpable as 40,000 fans flooded the streets to celebrate their qualification. Bologna’s fifth-place finish in Serie A last season, their best since 1971, secured them a coveted spot in Europe’s elite competition.
Despite losing key players Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori to the Premier League, and former coach Thiago Motta to Juventus, Bologna’s new coach Vincenzo Italiano has been tasked with leading the team. However, he’s only secured one win from six matches, with Bologna’s latest result being a 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday.
Bologna earned a point from their goalless draw with Shakhtar Donetsk in the new league phase of the tournament, but face a monumental challenge against Liverpool. However, with transfer maestro Giovanni Sartori working his magic behind the scenes, Bologna hope their young talents will make an impact.
Argentine striker Santiago Castro has been a standout player, scoring three goals this season, including two stunning long-range strikes. Castro is expected to be fit for the Anfield clash after recovering from a minor calf injury.
While Bologna are considered underdogs, playing at Anfield in such a prestigious competition is a dream come true for the club, whose last major trophy was the 1974 Italian Cup.