Vincenzo Italiano, the coach of Bologna, addressed the reasons behind Jonathan Rowe’s absence from the starting lineup in their recent 3-2 victory over Napoli. He also acknowledged that discussions regarding his own future with the club directors are imminent.
Bologna had experienced a dip in form towards the end of the season, failing to score in their previous four matches across Serie A and the Europa League. However, they secured a significant upset with their 3-2 win at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, marking their second victory against Napoli this season.
Federico Bernardeschi and a Riccardo Orsolini penalty had given Bologna a 2-0 lead. Napoli managed to equalize through goals from Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Alisson Santos, bringing the score to 2-2. The decisive goal came in stoppage time, courtesy of a spectacular acrobatic volley from Jonathan Rowe. Italiano confirmed that Rowe was initially sidelined due to a minor injury.
Italiano Expresses Delight at Bologna’s Response
Speaking to DAZN Italia, Italiano humorously commented, “Bernardeschi told me it’s in his contract that every time he gets substituted, he needs to kick the bottles around on the touchline.”
He continued, “I am happy for Rowe, because I had told him he could come on today for 20-25 minutes and bring his unpredictability, as he had a nasty bruise to his foot against Cagliari and didn’t train much last week. When someone with his quality comes on, he must put it at the disposal of the team with his talent and taking men on. I feel we had the just reward for an excellent first half performance; clearly Napoli fought back, but we gave a strong response to a difficult period.”
Both Rowe and Bernardeschi found the back of the net in this match, though both have faced fitness challenges and adjustments to Serie A football.
“We knew that Berna needed some time, that English players struggle more than others to adapt to Serie A, but after four months he started to really understand the movements and work with his teammates. He is young and has shown a lot of quality. Berna has impressive statistics for his fitness levels; you see the quality he brings.”
Santiago Castro has been named in the provisional 55-man squad for Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
“He is still very young, but has been a starter for the last two years, is improving the way he works for the team off the ball, he still has enormous margin for improvement. If he keeps his feet firmly on the ground and continues to show this effort, he can become a great centre-forward,” stated the coach.
Bologna currently sits in eighth place. Although European qualification is out of reach this season, they have an opportunity to avoid the initial rounds of the Coppa Italia next term.
“We were unable to be quite as amazing as last season, but there were some bright moments this year too. It’s a pity about the last few months, but now we have another two games and will hope to do as well as we did tonight,” Italiano added.
The coach has been linked with a potential departure from Bologna, with several clubs reportedly interested, including Milan and Napoli. Reports suggest a meeting with club directors is scheduled for tomorrow.
“I don’t know about there being a meeting tomorrow. There will be a meeting with the club to discuss how the season went and future plans; we did it last year and will do it again this time,” Italiano responded.
“I always said this is a top club and atmosphere around us. We were sad for the jeers recently, but these things happen. We’ll discuss it and see what we should do.”
