Niccolini confirms when Italiano will return for Bologna: ‘Weather permitting’

Daniel Niccolini has confirmed that Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano should return to the dugout for his side’s Europa League tie against Brann on Thursday evening, ‘weather permitting’. 

Italiano was hospitalised with pneumonia in October and remained in hospital for a week while he recovered from his illness. His assistant, Niccolini, has stepped up and filled in for pre- and post-match media duties, and has led the team into their last few Serie A and Europa League matches in the head coach’s absence. 

Italiano was in the building for Bologna’s 3-1 win against Parma over the weekend, but did not take to the dugout due to the weather conditions on Sunday evening. 

Niccolini, speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Bologna’s Europa League match against Brann, confirmed that Italiano should be able to lead the team on Thursday evening as long as the weather holds up. 

“The coach will be back on the bench tomorrow weather permitting,” Niccolini told the press on Wednesday. 

“I will return to my usual job, but I’m happy with the results we’ve achieved in this mini period when I’ve been in the dugout. I thank our boys, the staff and the whole club.” 

Niccolini went on to explain what he expects to see from Brann on Thursday night. 

“We’ve studied them. Looking at the data, they’re a physical, well-organised team. We’re in a positive moment in terms of results and mentality, so we will try to get the most out of it, especially it being at home.”