Bologna coach Thiago Motta insists the extra Champions League spot in Serie A ‘changes nothing’ for them ahead of the showdown with Roma. ‘The pressure is on the others.’
The encounter kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday at 17.30 UK time (16.30 GMT).
They go into this weekend in fourth and fifth place respectively, so as things stand would both enter the new expanded Champions League in 2024-25.
It is partly thanks to Roma reaching the Europa League semi-final that Serie A was granted an extra slot in the tournament.
“This changes nothing for us, we must continue to do our work,” insisted Thiago Motta in a press conference.
“There is no obsession. We are very realistic about our current situation. There is no pressure here, that is all on the others, those whose ambitions were the highest targets, because we were not expected to be in this position.”
Thiago Motta is friends with Roma boss Daniele De Rossi, having been his teammate in the Italy squad.
“Daniele is a fantastic guy, intelligent, we have great memories of our time together with the Nazionale. He deserves to be where he is and I look forward to embracing him on Monday.
“Roma make constant movement in midfield, players like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are very dangerous going forward. We must above all focus on bringing the game to where we want it.”
The midfield had been a strength for Bologna in part due to the remarkable form of Scotland international Lewis Ferguson, but he is out for the next six months following anterior cruciate ligament surgery, which means he also misses EURO 2024.
Who can fill Ferguson’s shoes for the Rossoblu in the rest of the season?
“Ferguson is unique,” warns Thiago Motta.
“All the lads have their own characteristics, but everyone loves him, he does good off the field too, his teammates wanted to visit him in the hospital, Sam Beukema brought him some ice, there is a real fondness and brotherhood there.
“I hope to see him soon, as he has a strong mentality, even though clearly now he is sad. We are not looking for another Lewis. I am sure whoever comes in will do well with their own characteristics.”