“Away ties in the Europa League are something special,” according to Vincenzo Grifo, for whom this game will mean that bit more. SC journey to Grifo’s home country for the clash and it will be the first time that the 32-year-old Italy international has played in Bologna, at the Stadion Renato Dall‘Ara.

He appeared therefore understandably excited during the press conference at the ground a day ahead of the fixture against the side currently sitting ninth in the Serie A. “I always look forward to returning to my home country and will enjoy the atmosphere tomorrow. We are excited for this challenge.”

Disciplined opposition

Bologna, who qualified for the Europa League as domestic cup winners, occupy a similar league position to that of Freiburg. After five matchdays, coach Vincenzo Italiano’s side have gained seven points; however, notably, this past weekend’s 2-2 draw with Lecce was the only game this season in which Bologna have conceded more than one goal. “They defend passionately, man-for-man. They are very disciplined at the back and play with determination. That is what we need to deal with,” reported Julian Schuster, assessing tomorrow’s opponents.

SC faced Italian opposition in their penultimate fixture of their 2022/23 Europa League campaign when they took on Juventus. Schuster holds fond memories from this match-up: “Both games against Juve were even affairs but we obviously come against different opponents tomorrow. Bologna operate cleverly, making fouls at the right time. We must combat that and remain alert against this dogged team.”

Strong support for SC in Bologna

A total of 2,650 SC fans will have sorted out somewhere to stay in the Italian city. Their support for the team begins with a fan march to the stadium, where they will disperse into a sold-out away section. The stadium is something of a gem situated in a residential area. Red brick, red and blue seats, a brick tower on one side of the stands and no roof over the stands provide the ground with great character. Grifo mentions a “little tingle” that he feels when he thinks about the upcoming game and a stadium he has yet to experience. Schuster immediately feels the “appeal of the international stage. Even on the way from the airport to the stadium the day before the match, there was a positive excitement and intrigue to experience the ground.”

Lukas Kübler will miss the chance to revel in a new area and new stadium after his collision with an opposing player during the clash with TSG Hoffenheim. Cyriaque Irié is absent through illness. Philipp Lienhart returns, along with Johan Manzambi, who was suspended for the previous Bundesliga fixture. Schuster has not revealed the extent to which the coaching staff will rotate the side: “We have a four-day rest period between the last game and this and each of the players is fit enough to feature once again.”

Isabel Betz

Photo: Achim Keller