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The Giallorossi have just the league to focus on now, with eight games in which to push forward as much as they can. In Emiglia-Romagna, the Rossoblu have been experiencing a revolution under new owner Joey Saputo, who has given the club a long-term vision.
He has employed the wise Roberto Donadoni, although he has been enduring a turbulent season.
Nevertheless, a wily bunch of attackers make Bologna a serious threat, and our columnist believes these three players cannot be underestimated…
Blerim Dzemaili
A natural born leader, the attacking midfielder became FC Zurich’s captain at just 20 years of age. After leading Der Stadtclub to the Swiss Superleague title in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, he suffered an unfortunate injury after making the move to Bolton Wanderers, which led to subsequent move back to Italy.
While his best form came during his time at Napoli, Dzemaili has been an immediate fit for his current club – displaying his trademark aggression combined with refined play around the opponent’s net.
He’s scored eight times this season, with two of them coming a few weeks ago against a stingy Chievo Verona defence.
He has created two assists, as well as 31 scoring opportunities. Of 779 passes, he has achieved an accuracy rate of 78%, with four out of every five being forward passes.
Although Dzemaili’s days in Serie A are about to come to a close as he prepares a move to Saputo’s Montreal Impact, he will be looking for that one last standout performance against a top side.
Ladislav Krejci
After a relatively quiet transfer from Sparta Prague this past summer, the winger has been fundamental in Bologna’s offensive cohesion.
At his former club, Krejci scored 25 goals in 123 appearances, and was a starter in all three group-matches at the European Championship for the Czech Republic.
Leading his side with seven assists, Krejci possesses a lethal left-foot, and has created 46 chances. Of 588 completed passes, half have been forward passes, as he often passes backwards in efforts to build-up pressure against his opponents’ right flank.
Being just 24 years-old, Krejci is beginning to establish himself as one of the most intriguing developing players in the league, and could well be a name that will become familiar across European football in due time.
Simone Verdi
Typically deployed on the opposite side of Krejci, the Milan youth product is enjoying his finest season to date.
A versatile attacker, the Italian international likes to switch play from right to left, and averages over two long balls per game. This strategy allows him to utilise his teammates who are in space, while he likes to attract the attention of opponents, and dribbles out of dangerous situations.
Verdi has no shortage of highlight reel goals, having made sensational free kicks, and shots from unimaginable angles throughout his six-year professional career.
Not the tallest – something that hasn’t stopped many of the other finest wingers in Serie A - the forward is nonetheless difficult to confine, and will be looking for a strong performance as he looks to become a main player, just as he was during his youth career.
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