In Turin Bologna fails to make the hoped-for extension. It ends 0-0 the challenge against the Granata, fourth draw in the last five races. The Champions League now it’s at 5 points, but there are only three races left. So move forward slowly and this time without regrets, or rather, with Skorupski the best of his team with two decisive interventions and the crossbar hit by Sanabria who saved him.
A not very determined Bologna draws with Torino
Maybe the regret is that we didn’t attacking the opponent with the determination seen this year, especially in the second half. It may be that the team feel the moment‘ and not everything flows as it did a month or two ago. Everything is more complicated if you then find yourself facing a team, that of Juric which first of all seeks to stop the opponent allowing very little space. Ferguson’s forced absence is starting to take its toll, but the fact of returning home once again undefeated remains.
The rossoblù collect draws: they are once again unbeaten
On the eve of the commemoration of Superga it is the granata who come out amidst the boos, with the rossoblù below the 2 thousand curve arrived in Turin and still praised the team.
The choices of Motta and Juric at the start of the match
It rains continuously at the Olimpico Grande Torino where Bologna seeks Champions League points The granata are the last narrow path to a European place in the Conference. Motta changes only two players compared to the 11 seen against Udinese: Calafiori for the suspended Beukema and Fabbian for El Azzouzi. For the third time in a row Orsolini he will start from the bench. Juric responds with his 3-4-1-2 and only Tameze is unavailable due to disqualification. Colombian derby between Lucumi and Zapata, while Calafiori will keep an eye on Sanbria. The former rossoblù Masina guards Ndoye. The duels in the middle of the pitch will be decisive given Juric’s philosophy: one against one, everywhere.
More opportunities for the Granata: Zirkzee and his waiting companions
The first half will slip away with the usual Bologna not sinking any shots – zero shots on target – and a constant study of the opponent leaving him the initiative. Taurus accepts the challenge, but with caution. However, the only thrill of the first 45 minutes was from the Granata brand: Sanabria headed Calafiori away hitting the crossbar, Zapata picks up and hits viciously but finds a reactive Skorupski. Everything else is worth little or nothing. Vlasic injured gives way to Linetty: more quantity than quality. The two rossoblù conclusions, by Zirkzee and Aebischer they finish just wide. Ndoye, stopped by Masina, does not gain any meters, just as Kristiansen does not concede any to Bellanova, Saelemaekers on the other side he never finds the dangerous play.
The memory of the Superga massacre
Boredom until the interval when a memory of the Superga tragedy with a live song with a title attached to the evening (and to that fateful May 4th ’49), “A rainy day”. Grenade stands without banners, cold and critical of President Cairo.
The final forcing does not produce the winning goal
Usual Bologna from the first half, usual Bologna from the second half: more convinced and determined who slowly gained ground. An acceleration with a corner shot from Zirkzee in the opening, then a thrilling duet from the Dutchman with Saelemaekers which fades into a corner. Warnings. But the inertia (even mental) seems to have changed. Motta is the first to move a player: Fabbian out, who never got into the game, Moro in, who returns to the field after two months (22′ with Inter). The Granata defense closes the spaces, Aebischer tries from outside, Savic deflects for a corner. The opportunity was much more tempting at the feet of Ilic who found Skorupski’s big hand with the goal open from 16 metres. The minutes fly by, Motta removes the wingers and throws in Orsolini and Odgaard. And then Castro and El Azzouzi for Zirkzee (not brilliant, but…) and Aebischer. Rossoblù with super front wheel drive, final forcing in the Granata half of the field, but the effort will be useless. The step for Europe is small, but not useless.
The scoreboard
Turin – Bologna 0-0
TURIN (3-4-1-2): Milinkovic-Savic 6; Vojvoda 6.5, Buongiorno 6.5, Masina 6.5; Bellanova 5.5 (Lazaro sv 41′ st), Ricci 6, Ilic 6.5, Rodriguez 6; Vlasic 6 (Linetty 6 28′ pt); Sanabria 6 (Pellegri sv 33′ st), Zapata 5. All.: Juric 6
BOLOGNA (4-1-4-1): Skorupski 7.5; Posch 6, Lucumi 7, Calafiori 6.5, Kristiansen 6; Freuler 6.5; Ndoye 5 (Orsolini 5.5 24′ st), Aebischer 6 (El Azzouzi sv 37′ st), Fabbian 5.5 (Moro 6 14′ st), Saelemaekers 5.5 (Odgaard 5.5 24′ st); Zirkzee 5.5 (Castro sv 37′ st). All.: Motta 6
Referee: Dirty 5.5
Ammonites: Vojvoda, Fabbian, Rodriguez, Aebischer
Recoveries: 2′ plus 4′
