Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano emphasizes the significance of both upcoming matches against Milan, as his team prepares for a Serie A clash and the Coppa Italia Final within a five-day span.
The Serie A match kicks off at San Siro tonight, while the Coppa Italia Final is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, at Rome`s Stadio Olimpico.
“Both games are vital. Today`s match is a crucial step in our season. We aim to secure points and deliver a strong performance to prepare optimally for Wednesday,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
Italiano Balances Serie A and Coppa Italia Priorities
Despite Bologna`s recent slowdown with consecutive draws against Udinese and Juventus, they remain just one point behind Juventus and Roma in the race for fourth place. This competitive position gives them less reason to rotate players compared to Milan, but they are still making changes ahead of their first Coppa Italia Final in 51 years.
“I make decisions based on both the starting lineup and potential substitutes,” Italiano explained. “We have players capable of challenging Milan, and as seen recently, our substitutes can significantly impact the game in the second half.”
Several players, including Dan Ndoye, Emil Holm, Estanis Pedrola, and Jens Odgaard, have not traveled to San Siro. Meanwhile, Nikola Moro, Martin Erlic, Tommaso Pobega, and Benjamin Dominguez are set to join the starting eleven.