Bologna, despite a challenging home record, will aim to leverage their strong Europa League performance as they welcome tournament favorites Aston Villa for the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Thursday night.
Currently eighth in Serie A, Bologna secured their quarter-final spot by overcoming domestic rivals Roma with a 5-4 aggregate victory in the Europa League Round of 16. Their opponents, Aston Villa, who finished second in their Europa League group and sit fourth in the Premier League, advanced by defeating Lille 3-0 on aggregate in the previous stage.
If Bologna can triumph over their Premier League adversaries across both legs, it would mark only the second time in the club’s history they reach the Europa League semi-finals, and their first appearance at this stage since the 1998-99 UEFA Cup.
Coach Vincenzo Italiano is anticipated to field his strongest possible squad. Santiago Castro is set to lead the attack, supported by Federico Bernardeschi and either Jonathan Rowe or Nicolo Cambiaghi. The midfield trio is likely to feature Lewis Ferguson, Remo Freuler, and either Tommaso Pobega or Nikola Moro. In defense, a back four of Joao Mario, Jhon Lucumi, Torbjorn Heggem, and Juan Miranda is expected.
Bologna will reportedly miss Lukasz Skorupski, Benja Dominguez, Thijs Dallinga, and Jens Odgaard due to injury.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has only one injury concern in Boubacar Kamara. Key players such as former Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, and Ollie Watkins are all anticipated to start.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM BST.
Bologna vs. Aston Villa: Probable Line-ups
Bologna (4-3-3): Ravaglia; J.Mario, Lucumi, Heggem, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, P.Torres, Digne; Onana, D.Luiz; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins
Where to Watch Bologna vs. Aston Villa
Football fans in the UK can watch tonight’s match live on TNT Sports 2 and via Discovery+. For those in the USA, Paramount+ will provide live coverage.
