Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Orsolini’s Stunning Strike: A Venetian Masterpiece for Bologna
Venice, renowned for its impressive door knockers and historic palaces, witnessed a different kind of spectacle as Riccardo Orsolini etched his name into footballing memory. While Venice boasts iconic bronze knockers, Orsolini’s goal for Bologna against Venezia on Saturday served as a fresh, unforgettable highlight for fans, a moment more enduring than any fleeting visit.
The Decisive Volley
Barely moments into the second half, Nicolò Cambiaghi’s precise left-wing play led to a right-footed cross to the far post. Orsolini expertly connected with the delivery, unleashing a sublime side-footed volley that soared past the goalkeeper and nestled perfectly into the corner of the net. This striking goal proved to be the match-winner in the Serie A clash.
Celebration and Speculation
In a familiar display, Orsolini celebrated his Venezia goal by approaching the television camera and tapping the lens three times – a repeat of his gesture after netting against Lazio prior to the international break, when Bologna secured a dominant 5-0 victory.
Italy National Team Snub?
Following the Lazio match, media speculated that Orsolini’s celebration was directed at Italy’s national team coach, Luciano Spalletti, questioning his continued absence from the squad. However, Orsolini dismissed these notions, stating, “My celebration wasn’t aimed at anyone.” When asked about the repetition after the Venezia game, he commented, “Now it has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. I’ll keep celebrating like this as long as I can.”
Omission from Italy Squad Questioned
Questions linger about why Orsolini was excluded from Italy’s Nations League quarter-final against Germany. Prior to his goal against Venezia, he had already achieved double-figure goals for the third consecutive season, consistently performing on the right wing. His recent strike elevates his Serie A tally to 32 goals in the past three years – surpassing any other Italian player in the league.
Tactical Fit and Team Formation
The primary reason for his absence appears to be tactical. Italy has transitioned from a 4-3-3 formation, used during Euro 2024, to a 3-5-2 setup. Orsolini, typically positioned high on the right in Bologna’s 4-2-3-1 system, lacks a direct, clear-cut role within this alternative formation.
Relational Football and Player Roles
Some argue that Orsolini warrants consideration, especially in an era of evolving football tactics where rigid player positions are becoming less defined. “Relational football” emphasizes fluidity and adaptability, encouraging players to interpret roles flexibly. Could Orsolini have offered more as a second striker compared to Daniel Maldini, who started against Germany despite a modest goalscoring record this season?
Player Contentment and Club Loyalty
Orsolini himself has not publicly expressed discontent regarding his national team situation. In an interview, when asked about convincing Spalletti, he responded, “I don’t need to convince anyone. I just carry on doing my thing.”
Managerial Influence: Vincenzo Italiano
He believes he is currently playing his best football, crediting Bologna’s manager, Vincenzo Italiano, as “the best manager in Italy right now.” This endorsement highlights the positive impact of the new coach on Orsolini’s performance and Bologna’s overall strategy.
Italiano’s Challenging Appointment
Italiano‘s appointment to succeed Thiago Motta was initially perceived as a daunting task. Motta had just guided Bologna to their first Champions League qualification in decades. The club previously participated in the old European Cup following their Serie A victory in 1963-64.
Summer Transfers and Squad Changes
Following their Champions League qualification, Bologna sold key players including Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori. Lewis Ferguson also faced an injury setback. Despite substantial income from player sales exceeding €100m, the investment in replacements was considerably less, creating further challenges for the new manager.
Orsolini’s Initial Assessment of Italiano
“I told [Italiano] right away: ‘Boss, you were very brave to come here,’” Orsolini recalled, acknowledging the perceived difficulty of the situation Italiano inherited. “Who would come to us at that moment? He could only do worse. And yet he has shocked everyone. I am very happy. More for him than for me.”
Bologna’s League Position and European Campaign
Bologna, who finished fifth last season, currently stand fourth in the league table with eight games remaining. The season’s beginning was indeed challenging for Italiano, securing only one win in his first 11 matches across Serie A and the Champions League.
European Football and Domestic Form
A difficult Champions League draw, featuring matches against Liverpool and Aston Villa, added to the early pressure. While domestic form improved, the intensity of European fixtures proved demanding. Home defeats impacted their progress, ultimately finishing low in the group stage with limited victories.
Tactical Evolution Under Italiano
Italiano effectively navigated these challenges through evolution, not revolution. Retaining a similar formation to his predecessor, he subtly adjusted the emphasis. Bologna now adopts a higher defensive line and a more direct passing style compared to the previous season, enhancing their attacking threat.
Managerial Style and Player Communication
Beyond tactical changes, a shift in communication and man-management has been pivotal. Orsolini likened Italiano’s direct approach to Sinisa Mihajlovic, highlighting a shared quality of honest and open communication. This directness has fostered strong player-manager relationships within the squad.
Player Buy-in and Team Spirit
“He’s a pure one, like me, he does not hide any emotions from you,” stated Orsolini. “If he wants to curse you out he curses you out … Sinisa was like this, he’d tell us all to go to hell then five minutes later he was hugging us. If you’re not a false person, I will give you everything. After a week, I said to my teammates: ‘Lads, I would throw myself in a fire for this guy.’” This strong player buy-in demonstrates the positive team environment cultured by Italiano.
Bologna’s Season Outlook
Can this unified team spirit lead Bologna to further success? Their recent victory against Venezia marks their fifth consecutive Serie A win. They have suffered only one defeat across all competitions this calendar year and have advanced to the Coppa Italia semi-final, indicating a strong end to the season.
Key Players and Squad Depth
Orsolini is not the sole player flourishing. Dan Ndoye, another winger, has contributed seven league goals, while 20-year-old Santiago Castro has secured the primary striker role. Jens Odgaard’s transformation from an inconsistent striker into a unique attacking midfielder further highlights Italiano‘s tactical acumen.
Focus on Internal Development
Much of Bologna’s progress stems from developing existing players. Amongst summer signings, only Juan Miranda has solidified his position as a key player, demonstrating the effectiveness of internal squad improvement under Italiano.
Champions League Qualification Challenge
Securing a Champions League spot remains a significant challenge. Bologna’s upcoming Serie A schedule includes matches against Napoli, Atalanta, and Inter, followed by fixtures against Juventus, Milan, and Fiorentina, testing their resilience in the Serie A top-four race.
Top Four Race and Coppa Italia Ambitions
The race for the top four is expected to be closely contested. Juventus and Roma are also strong contenders. While Champions League qualification is desired, Orsolini personally expressed greater enthusiasm for winning the Coppa Italia, seeking his first major team trophy since his youth football days, adding another layer of motivation for Bologna’s season finale.
Upcoming Fixtures
Bologna faces Empoli in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg, requiring immediate focus before further league challenges. Italiano’s team has little time to rest as they continue their pursuit of success on multiple fronts.