Bologna's New Era: Champions League Challenge Amidst Major Transitions

Bologna FC faces a tough challenge in the Champions League despite securing their spot for the first time in 60 years. The team, coping with key player departures and a new coach, looks to overcome adversity with optimism. Their journey under President Joe Saputo's leadership signifies a remarkable turnaround.

Exactly four months have passed since Bologna qualified for the Champions League, reaching Europe's elite competition for the first time in 60 years.

Now, comes the tough part. Bologna hosts Shakhtar Donetsk next week without four key team members, having exceeded all expectations by finishing fifth in Serie A last season.

Coach Thiago Motta announced his departure a day before the last season ended, moving to Juventus. Star forward Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United, and defender Riccardo Calafiori signed with Arsenal post his impressive European Championship performance. Adding to the challenges, club captain Lewis Ferguson is sidelined with a knee injury, factoring into Bologna's slow Serie A start with only two points from three matches, ahead of their weekend match with promoted Como.

Despite these obstacles, new coach Vincenzo Italiano brings valuable European experience from his tenure at Fiorentina, noted for consecutive Conference League finals appearances. Bologna has a history of overcoming hardship, as seen when Motta replaced Sinisa Mihajlovic under difficult circumstances in the 2022-23 season.

Under Motta's leadership, Bologna improved to a ninth-place finish initially and fifth last season, marking their best Serie A performance. Defender Lorenzo De Silvestri emphasizes the team's need to rise to the new challenge with the right mentality.

While Bologna has a storied past with seven Serie A titles, their last triumph came in 1964. Hosting Champions League matches seemed improbable when Joe Saputo acquired the club a decade ago, but Bologna celebrates this achievement, acknowledging Saputo's contributions during a recent ceremony where he was granted honorary citizenship.

Saputo, now heavily involved in the club's operations along with his sons, reflects on building the club from the ground up. Bologna's second Champions League match notably coincides with the club's 115th anniversary, marking a significant milestone.

(With inputs from agencies.)