Italiano: ‘Bologna are still up there’ for top 4 finish

Vincenzo Italiano calls on Bologna to ‘bring out everything we’ve got’ to fight for a top four finish after the disappointing draw at Udinese.

The Rossoblu had a huge opportunity to not just hold on to fourth place, but also close the gap on Atalanta following their draw with Lecce last night.

However, they too were held 0-0 away to Udinese, so Juventus have now gone past them and Lazio could do the same if beating Parma this evening.

“Udinese started strong, which we expected, but our first half was below par,” confessed Italiano to DAZN.

“It was better after the break, we created the chances to win the game, and I liked the reaction from my team.”

Italiano tries to keep Bologna momentum going

This result inevitably takes some of the sheen off a week where Bologna had been celebrating qualification for their first Coppa Italia Final in 51 years.

They beat Empoli 2-1 on Thursday, 5-1 on aggregate, to set up a showdown with Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on May 14.

“The fact we ended the game on a high shows that we are in there, with our minds and our legs. We must try to bring out everything we’ve got and keep maximum focus,” continued Italiano.

“This run has allowed us to be right up there with the top teams, now we want to keep that going in these remaining four matches.”

Italiano was forced to watch the 0-0 draw with Udinese from the stands of the Bluenergy Stadium, sitting out a rare touchline ban.

“I hope I never have to experience that again, it’s too tough watching from up there. It’s my responsibility over what happened, but I really hated being away from the team.”

His ban was imposed following a touchline row with Inter assistant manager Massimiliano Farris.