Bologna are a club which for many years was usually found floating around the middle of Italy’s top flight, despite their impressive history. However, last season this all changed.
After 60 years away, Bologna defied expectations and qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since their historic Serie A title win in 1964.
It was Atalanta’s 2-1 victory over AS Roma which confirmed their return to Europe’s elite competition following a 60-year hiatus, sparking scenes of jubilation across the city. Fireworks and flares lit up the sky as the Piazza Maggiore was flooded with ecstatic supporters celebrating their team’s historic season.
However, the summer that followed would prove difficult for Bologna. They lost their manager, Thiago Motta, to Juventus, as well as several key players, such as Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori, who secured big moves to the Premier League.
Despite these challenges, the Rossoblu have quietly gone about their business this season and are once again challenging for European football.
How have they fared this season?
In June, Bologna found Motta’s successor and appointed former Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano. The 47-year-old, who led La Viola to consecutive European finals, joined the club on a deal until 2026.
Italiano’s first season with the seven-time Scudetto winners has been positive so far despite a slow start. In their first 10 games in all competitions, Bologna would win just once, drawing seven times and losing twice.
Additionally, their European dream would be short-lived and would turn out to be more of a nightmare. With just one win from eight games, Italiano’s side were eliminated in the league phase finishing 28th.
However, things have picked up since then. They went unbeaten throughout the entirety of January in all competitions, a period which saw the Rossoblu record five wins and five draws.
During this run, Bologna recorded some impressive victories. These include an away win against Scudetto challengers Atalanta in the Coppa Italia, as well as beating Borussia Dortmund at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium in the Champions League. They also picked up impressive draws versus Inter and AS Roma in the league.
Currently, Bologna sit sixth in Serie A and have tasted defeat just once in their last 13 games in all competitions- a 2-0 defeat away to Parma. Their current run includes a fantastic winning streak at home, which was extended to six games following their 2-1 victory over Cagliari last time out.
They have also enjoyed success in the Coppa Italia. Bologna reached the semi-final of the competition, following their win at Atalanta, where they will face Empoli.
How does this season compare to last season?
Interestingly, this season has not been so different to last year’s historical campaign. Last season, Bologna were sat in 4th place with 51 points after 27 games. At the time of writing, Italiano’s side are currently four points behind that amount and sit in sixth place with 47 points from 27 games.
Bologna’s home form in 2023/24 was outstanding. At this stage last season, they had a record of 11 wins, two draws and one loss. This campaign, they haven’t picked up as many points at home, but still have the second-best record in the league. From 14 home games this season, they have eight wins, five draws and one loss.
Away from home, Bologna have slightly improved. They currently have four wins, six draws and three losses compared to three wins, seven draws and three losses last season.
In front of goal, they have scored one more than they had at this time last year, with 42, but have a worse defence, conceding 33 goals so far this campaign compared to 24 last season.
Is the Champions League possible?
While Bologna are outsiders in the race for the Champions League, back-to-back qualification could be possible. Juventus currently occupy the final Champions League place with 52 points.
Behind them in the Europa League spot is Lazio on 50 points. Then Bologna occupy the Conference League position with 47 points. While six points seems a large gap, it is certainly not impossible, here’s why.
The Rossoblu still have to play both Lazio and Juventus at home. With their home record only being bettered by league leaders Inter, this presents a fantastic opportunity to gain ground on both of their rivals.
However, Bologna’s run-in is tough on paper. They still have to play seven of the top nine, including Napoli, Atalanta and Inter consecutively. If Bologna can get through this period with a good points return, they will undoubtedly be right in the mix for Champions League football.
Unfortunately for Bologna, it looks likely that Italy will miss out on the additional Champions League spot for next season. This is because England and Spain currently lead the way in the UEFA coefficient. Therefore, the top four could be a must for Champions League football.
Regardless of which European competition they find themselves in next season, this season has still been positive for the Rossoblu. Vincenzo Italiano has had a brilliant maiden campaign at Bologna. It would be a testament to his managerial ability should he lead the club to consecutive Champions League finishes.