{"id":5483,"date":"2024-12-12T01:19:13","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T01:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betwealthsuretips.com\/blog\/italiano-bologna-caused-huge-problems-for-benfica-in-0-0-draw\/"},"modified":"2024-12-12T01:19:13","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T01:19:13","slug":"italiano-bologna-caused-huge-problems-for-benfica-in-0-0-draw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betwealthsuretips.com\/blog\/italiano-bologna-caused-huge-problems-for-benfica-in-0-0-draw\/","title":{"rendered":"Italiano: ‘Bologna caused huge problems for Benfica’ in 0-0 draw"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"LISBON,<\/picture><\/div>\n

LISBON, PORTUGAL – DECEMBER 11: Head Coach Vincenzo Italiano of Bologna FC 1909 in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024\/25 League Phase MD6 match between SL Benfica and Bologna FC 1909 at Estadio da Luz on December 11, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Vincenzo Italiano was \u2018very happy\u2019 with the Bologna performance to earn a point away to high-flying Benfica, when they edged possession. \u2018We now have a clear identity.\u2019<\/p>\n

The Rossoblu knew their chances of extending the Champions League campaign beyond January were slim, but they put in a strong performance at the Estadio da Luz for a 0-0 draw.<\/p>\n

This was only their second point in six games, the other being another 0-0 in the opening fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk, and again goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski deserved much of the credit for his heroics.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am happy with what the lads did tonight. It was difficult, arriving here in our current form against a team that regularly wins and scores lots of goals, we deserve credit for causing them so many problems,\u201d Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe actually hoped for more than a point, but the performance \u2013 especially in the first half \u2013 was of a high level. They raised the tempo after the break, were more aggressive, but we still got a handle on them and could\u2019ve done more in our attacking situations with two on two and three on three.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bologna actually dominated possession in the first half in Lisbon and eventually just sneaked it overall with 51 per cent, also completing 363 passes to 340.<\/p>\n

Italiano frustrated by Bologna finishing<\/h2>\n
\"LISBON,<\/picture>
LISBON, PORTUGAL \u2013 DECEMBER 11: Giovanni Fabbian of Bologna runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Kerem Akturkoglu of S.L Benfica during the UEFA Champions League 2024\/25 League Phase MD6 match between SL Benfica and Bologna FC 1909 at Estadio do SL Benfica on December 11, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The problem for Italiano\u2019s side is always the same, that they struggle badly to convert their possession and chances into goals.<\/p>\n

\u201cDallinga had a similar situation in the most recent game and put it in the corner, he had an identical chance today and should\u2019ve done more.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had several situations where we got the finish or the last pass wrong. We created chances, caused huge problems for a great side like Benfica.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was particularly impressive considering the number of injuries that Italiano had to deal with, missing Riccardo Orsolini, Charalampos Lykogiannis, Juan Miranda, Michel Aebischer, Oussama El Azzouzi and Niccol\u00f2 Cambiaghi.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw players who hadn\u2019t done as much and really stepped up today, like Urbanski playing wide, Moro in midfield, Holm who had to adapt as a left-back, Casale getting minutes in his legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt really was not easy here and the lads are very happy, also as they prepare for the next games. I am very happy too, as I saw a response from many lads, we now have a clear identity and our approach does not change even when we rotate the squad.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw what I wanted to see tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bologna are not guaranteed elimination from the Champions League yet with two points from six games.<\/p>\n