Bologna is active in the transfer market, aiming to find a right-back who fits coach Vincenzo Italiano`s system. Italiano wants a rotation of three full-backs on the right side. With Lorenzo De Silvestri and Emil Holm already in the squad, and Stefan Posch being considered also as a central defender, a third young and dynamic option is needed.
The primary target is Mattia Zanotti, a 2003-born player owned by Lugano, who had a successful season in Switzerland and the Europa League, and also performed well for Italy`s U21 team in the recent European Championship.
While Bologna has reached an agreement with the player, negotiations with the Swiss club have proven difficult. Lugano is reportedly asking for €14-15 million, a figure Bologna considers excessive for a player intended for rotation. However, positive past dealings with Swiss football (citing transfers like Aebischer, Ndoye, and Calafiori) suggest that dialogue remains possible.
Two potential targets from Italian clubs are also still being considered. One option is Alessandro Zanoli, who has returned to Napoli after a loan spell at Genoa. Bologna has followed Zanoli for some time but prefers to keep this negotiation separate from any potential deals with Napoli involving players like Ndoye or Beukema. The second Italian candidate is Tommaso Barbieri, who had an excellent season at Cremonese, culminating in their promotion to Serie A. Nevertheless, his limited experience in the top Italian league could be a drawback. Bologna is eager to conclude their search for a right-back swiftly.
