Football Italia
·18 September 2024
Football Italia
·18 September 2024
Lukasz Skorupski reveals his Shakhtar Donetsk penalty study ‘paid off’ as Bologna grabbed a 0-0 Champions League draw. ‘If you can’t win, then at least get a point.’
The Rossoblu almost had the worst possible start under a downpour at the Stadio Dall’Ara, as Stefan Posch bundled into the back of Eguinaldo in the opening minutes, but Skorupski saved the Georgiy Sudakov spot-kick.
They had chances to get the victory in an improved second half, but were held to a goalless stalemate by the Ukrainians.
“All we were missing was the goal. If you can’t win, then the least you can do is get a draw,” Skorupski told Sky Sport Italia.
“The fans seemed happy, we are improving. I am here to help the team, I studied the Shakhtar players and how they take penalties, so I am glad it paid off. This is to be seen as a point earned by the whole team, now we turn to focusing on getting a victory in Serie A.”
The 33-year-old Poland international has become a real specialist on spot-kicks, already parrying from Florian Thauvin for Udinese in Serie A last month, so how many can he save this season?
“I can also not save penalties, the important thing is that the team wins.”
This was the first game in UEFA competition for Bologna since losing the Intertoto Cup Final to Fulham in 2002 and their first Champions League/European Cup appearance since 1964.
“We are a good team, there are many young players here and a few experienced ones. We showed a lot of character,” concluded the goalkeeper.
Bologna are still looking for their first win of the season under new coach Vincenzo Italiano, managing only four draws and a defeat between Serie A and the Champions League.