Italiano: ‘Bologna must strike while the iron’s hot’

Vincenzo Italiano feels Bologna have really found their form and must ‘strike while the iron’s hot’ after their 3-0 win against Udinese sent them temporarily top of the table.

The Rossoblu are the form team in Italy at the moment, extending their unbeaten run to nine games, following up the 2-0 win over Napoli with a 3-0 victory away to Udinese.

Riccardo Orsolini had the chance to open the scoring only to see his penalty saved by Maduka Okoye, but after the break Tommaso Pobega bagged a brace, with Federico Bernardeschi sealing the scoreline in stoppages.

“We knew it would be tough today, we held out in the first half, then those two goals really paved the way for us,” said Italiano in his press conference.

“All the lads who hadn’t played as often this season really stepped up. There were circa 2,000 fans following us to Udine today, I saw the President was happy too, so I dedicate this result and our position to the club.”

Awaiting the other results, Bologna are currently joint top of the Serie A table after seven wins, three draws and two defeats.

Last season’s Coppa Italia triumph and this surge have some suggesting Italiano is an under-rated coach in Italian football.

“I am part of Bologna, so I have to bring spirit, confidence and enthusiasm, but it’s the lads who step onto the pitch. We must continue feeding on the passion in the city and strike while the iron’s hot,” he replied.

“I don’t think of myself, it’s just great to work with these players and when all the elements work together, we can achieve great results.”

However, when it comes to talking about their targets for this term, Italiano is eager that Bologna do not get ahead of themselves.

“I don’t want to say where we could end up, we just need to enjoy the moment and prepare for the next Europa League game, hoping to see the Stadio Dall’Ara packed out.”