Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano admits he has 'some problems' to solve before his team host Aston Villa on Thursday
Vincenzo Italiano
Vincenzo Italiano(Image: Getty Images)
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Vincenzo Italiano admits Bologna's plan on Thursday night will be to keep the second leg alive against Aston Villa.
The Italian club beat AS Roma 5-4 on aggregate in the round of 16, after managing a stunning 4-3 win in the second leg at their Serie A rivals.
Villa, meanwhile, defeated Lille 3-0 on aggregate, and are considered by many as the favourites to win the Europa League this season.
With Roma defeated by Bologna, and Lyon losing to Celta Vigo, many view Villa's chances of winning the competition as improved, though the ease with which those sides were eliminated should serve as a stark warning.
Bologna will host Villa on the back of returning from the March international break with a 2-1 win over Cremonese at the weekend, and Italiano is now looking forward to competing against Villa for the second time this season, having already stunned Roma.
"A great achievement, and we're proud to continue in this competition against teams with such history and prestige,” he told DAZN about the club’s progress in Europe.
“We know Aston Villa, and they're a strong team, having a great season, with a manager who has won numerous trophies in cup competitions.
“We want to play a good home game to keep the qualification for the second leg alive.”
Bologna have won just two of their last 14 home matches, but have won five of their last six on the road, only drawing to Roma in 90 minutes, before then winning in extra-time.
"We're looking for an explanation,” Italiano said about his club’s differing form. “Some problems prevented us from winning, but we're still looking for the right key.
“Perhaps at home, in order to win, we leave our flanks too exposed. While away we often find ways to hurt them. It's a shame because last year the Dall'Ara was truly a fortress."
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