Football Season Guide

Little was hoped for from Bologna last season after a very poor start which automatically led to coach Mihajlovic’s inevitable demise, only 3 months before his actual death. However, once Thiago Motta took the reins of the team, there was a change in pace and they turned into an attractive side capable of giving hard times to all the top teams, including Napoli. Unfortunately for them, though, the excessive number of draws, 12, cost them those two precious points which would have allowed them to return to the European competitions 20 years after their last participation. Even though they held the 7th best attack of the league, Bologna conceded too many goals and, for that reason, while also considering Soumaoro’s long-lasting injury and aging Medel’s departure, centre-back Beukema, who did wonders at AZ, was signed during the summer. He should make it straight to an XI that is otherwise in need of a few more reasons for a change. With the end of Cambiaso and Kyriakopoulos’s loans, Bologna are now in need of a left-back, also considering that Lykogiannis turned into a 3rd option last season. Apart from that, depth is needed in the attack as attacking midfielder Soriano and left winger/striker Sansone were eventually released while, like every summer, key striker Arnautovic is currently required by bigger clubs. If more goals will certainly be expected from 22-year-old Zirkzee, whose past season was far from a memorable one, Motta will also hope Orsolini to repeat last campaign’s wonders, 11 goals and 4 assists. In the midfield, El Azzouzi arrived from the Eredivisie and he could earn relevant playing time from the bench only if Schouten leaves, while confirmed Moro could turn into a starter alongside Dominguez.