Di Vaio and Bologna use Fiorentina collapse to motivate squad after 1-0 victory

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 28:Marco Di Vaio of Bologna Fc during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 28, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Bologna director Marco Di Vaio reveals he used Fiorentina’s predicament to motivate the team ahead of their Europa League play-off with SK Brann. ‘We passed on the message.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Fiorentina vs. Jagiellonia on the Liveblog.

The Rossoblu had been in dismal form to start 2026, but appear to have really turned a corner now with three consecutive victories in all competition.

That included last week’s 1-0 first leg play-off win in Norway, achieved thanks to a Santiago Castro strike.

Di Vaio keeps Bologna on their toes

“We need to be concentrated and have respect,” Di Vaio told Sky Sport Italia.

“We passed on the message to the players of what is happening in Florence, because you can take nothing for granted in Europe.”

As Bologna were warming up, Fiorentina had fumbled a 3-0 first leg advantage in the Conference League play-off with Jagiellonia.

“Our coach did very well, realising the system couldn’t handle three strikers, so we opted to find more solidity, and now want to get a sense of consistency to our results.

“I was a striker, so I know how important it is to help out the defenders. That is fundamental for our approach to football, now Santiago Castro is back on form, we hope Thijs Dallinga will get there too.”

It is a slender advantage in the Europa League play-off, especially considering their record at the Stadio Dall’Ara has been quite poor in the tournament so far this season.

That includes a 0-0 draw with SK Brann in November, albeit when Charalampos Lykogiannis was sent off in the opening half-hour.

It was confirmed yesterday that Juan Miranda will be out for circa three weeks after a muscular injury, joining Lykogiannis on the treatment table.

However, Riccardo Orsolini is struggling for playing time at the moment.

“Orsolini is a reference point on and off the field for us, but he is also very unpredictable as a player,” added Di Vaio.

“We have a strong squad and everyone is important, including Orso. I expect a reaction from him, because he knows that he can be decisive at any moment.”