Image source: football-italia.net
Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano confirmed Lewis Ferguson will play in a more advanced role behind Thijs Dallinga against Celtic in the Europa League at the Stadio Dall’Ara. Italiano said injuries have forced changes, with several players unavailable or limited to the bench. He added Bologna hope the tournament can lift the mood after a difficult run in Serie A.
Italiano moves Ferguson forward as injury-hit Bologna host Celtic in Europa League
Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano confirmed Lewis Ferguson will be deployed in a more advanced position against Celtic in the Europa League on Thursday. Kick-off at the Stadio Dall’Ara is scheduled for 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET). Italiano said Ferguson will play behind Thijs Dallinga, a role the midfielder has performed in the past, as Bologna look for a spark in Europe.
Italiano said Jens Odgaard and Nicolo Cambiaghi would be kept in reserve as options from the bench if the match requires a change of pace. He added that Odgaard can operate in three different roles, including as a centre-forward. Bologna are dealing with an injury crisis for the match, with Santiago Castro, Federico Bernardeschi and Jhon Lucumi ruled out.
Italiano also said Martin Vitik and Riccardo Orsolini were only fit enough to start on the bench, while goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski returned to the squad for the game. Midfielder Giovanni Fabbian completed a transfer to Fiorentina on Wednesday, but Bologna cannot use replacement Simon Sohm because he is ineligible at this stage of the competition.
Bologna have struggled for results in Serie A recently, with one win, two draws and three losses in 2026. Italiano said the club hope to give supporters enthusiasm after a spell without a home victory and believes the Europa League can provide a boost. He cited injuries and the Supercoppa Italiana as factors that have taken a toll, adding Bernardeschi is expected to return on Friday.
Italiano said Celtic, despite being beaten 3-0 at home by Roma recently, remain a side that deserve respect. He noted the Scottish club are accustomed to playing in Europe and across multiple tournaments, and said they have brought in their third coach of the campaign, with Martin O’Neill returning to take charge. Italiano added that while Celtic have problems, they are still one of the best teams in Scotland.
