Vincenzo Italiano was emotional after the “dream come true” of his first Champions League victory, as Bologna fought back to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1. “We’re out, but it’s like we won a semi-final.”
At the Stadio Dall’Ara, the party was crazy, even if this victory does not prevent them from being mathematically excluded from the play-offs.
It was their first ever historic Champions League victory, achieved against German giants Borussia Dortmund, fighting back from a low penalty from Serhou Guirassy to score twice in 60 seconds with Thijs Dalling and Samuel Iling-Junior.
“It was my first victory in the Champions League as a coach, when, as a child, I was on my sofa watching those who marked the history of this competition, it’s so moving,” said Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
“We are eliminated, but we feel like we won a quarter-final or a semi-final. These guys wanted this victory at all costs, what they said before the match in the locker room, how much they needed to give this gift to the supporters. It’s a dream come true and I’m so happy, it’s beyond words.
Italiano and Bologna stunned after unexpected victory
Bologna had only scored one goal in their previous six Champions League matches, so the crowd were just happy to see the back of the net rattled, let alone enjoy a completely unexpected success.
“The penalty at the start could compromise the whole strategy of the match, because they are so quick on the counter-attack and could have made things very different. Holm was reserved, but he was very good at avoiding further mistakes.
“We attacked their line really high, which is what we had prepared for the second half, and the guys knew they could rush in with that long ball to surprise them. Everyone deserves praise for their performance against a very strong opponent,” explained Italiano.
-The Rossoblu scored both goals with Charalampos Lykogiannis’ balls over the top for Jens Odgaard, who came on at half-time, while Riccardo Orsolini was helpless after a muscle injury.
“We saw that Borussia Dortmund often kept a high line and struggled with a ball over the top. Odgaard is much more offensive than Ferguson, so we tried to create these situations and we made the most of them.
“The guys prepared for this match with a training session and a video conference, so the focus they put into it was extraordinary.”
Italiano inherited Bologna from Thiago Motta over the summer and took some time to get to grips with the team, but after six months he has now shaped the team in his own image and they are doing well in Serie HAS.
“The president’s goal is to enter Europe. He hasn’t put pressure on us in which European competition, but he wants us to be up there. We have caught up with the others in Serie A after a difficult start, and if we continue with this application and determination, then we will see what happens.
“Every game is a battle and we have to continue with this mentality.”
