Key Absences and Squad Selection Decisions
Bologna FC has announced its squad for the upcoming Europa League campaign, with some notable absences. Star striker Ciro Immobile and Benja Dominguez will miss the European competition, sidelined to watch and support from the sidelines. Immobile`s exclusion is due to an injury sustained in the first league match of the season, expected to keep him out for several weeks and likely the first three European fixtures. Coach Vincenzo Italiano has made thoughtful selections to fill the roster.
The squad comprises 23 players; the absence of four club-trained players means the list is shorter than it could be. Recent arrival Sulemana and veteran De Silvestri, who was also left out of the Champions League squad a year prior, will not participate. However, defender Holm has been included and is working hard to be available for the Serie A match against AC Milan.
Bologna`s European ambitions extend beyond these selections. Key player Orsolini is expected to be a crucial asset, and Federico Bernardeschi was specifically acquired to bolster the team`s prospects in such a significant competition.
Bologna kicks off its European adventure on September 25 with an away match against Aston Villa. They will then make their home debut at the Dall’Ara on October 2 against Freiburg. Subsequent matches include an away fixture in Bucharest against Steaua on October 23, followed by an unprecedented home tie with Brann on November 6. Towards the end of the month, on November 27, Salzburg will visit Bologna, before an away trip to Spain to face Celta Vigo on December 11. In the new year, Celtic Glasgow will play at the Dall’Ara on January 22, and the group stage will conclude on January 29 against Maccabi Tel Aviv, likely in Serbia.
Goalkeepers
— The choices of Italiano:
- 1 Skorupski
- 13 Ravaglia
Defenders
— The choices of Italiano:
- 2 Holm
- 14 Heggem
- 16 Casale
- 20 Zortea
- 22 Lykogiannis
- 26 Lucumi
- 33 Miranda
- 41 Vitik
Midfielders
— The choices of Italiano:
- 4 Pobega
- 6 Moro
- 8 Freuler
- 19 Ferguson
- 25 Pessina
- 80 Fabbian
Forwards
— The choices of Italiano:
- 7 Orsolini
- 9 Castro
- 10 Bernardeschi
- 11 Rowe
- 21 Odgaard
- 24 Dallinga
- 28 Cambiaghi
