Italiano: ‘Bologna not up to our standards’ in 2-0 defeat to Atalanta | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano concedes Bologna ‘were not up to our usual standards’ in the 2-0 defeat to Atalanta, explaining why he made those substitutions in Bergamo.

The Rossoblu were on a stunning run of form, winning six competitive matches on the bounce until the 1-1 draw with Napoli, and had already eliminated Atalanta from the Coppa Italia quarter-final with a 1-0 victory here in February.

However, Mateo Retegui broke the deadlock in the third minute, then battled with Jhon Lucumi at the corner flag to whip in a cross, allowing Mario Pasalic to seal the 2-0 result.

Despite numerous changes, Bologna failed to get back into the game and dropped down to fifth place, behind Juventus in fourth.

Italiano critical of Bologna approach

BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 13: Dan Ndoye of Bologna controls the ball under pressure from Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta during the Serie A match between Atalanta and Bologna at Gewiss Stadium on April 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)

“We let ourselves get surprised in the first attacking move, our defenders could’ve done better, then when you go 2-0 down against Atalanta it’s not going to be easy,” Italiano told DAZN.

“There was a reaction, but we were unable to open up the match with a goal. I had hoped for more unpredictability in the second half, but the game was lost in the first 20 minutes, when we were not up to our usual standards.”

Considering their recent form and confidence, should Bologna have had the upper hand psychologically in the opening stages?

“We should also give credit to Atalanta, because we knew they would come out fighting and were unable to control them. I didn’t think we were sluggish so much as lacking concentration on the details, because we could’ve done better on those two goals,” noted Italiano.

“At times, we had them on the ropes, so that is where we need to build on for the upcoming matches.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 13: Juan Miranda of Bologna clears the ball under pressure from ata32during the Serie A match between Atalanta and Bologna at Gewiss Stadium on April 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)

The Bologna coach said before kick-off that he had left Santiago Castro and Jens Odgaard on the bench because they were not 100 per cent fit.

“They really aren’t in good shape. Santiago is still suffering from this knock to the foot he received on international duty. We tried to keep Odgaard going until two days before the game, but I decided not to push him too much, as it would be frustrating to lose him for longer right now.”

Among the substitutions made at half-time, Italiano hauled Riccardo Orsolini off, and seemed irritated with the winger during that first half.

“It happens, you can tell straight away when he’s not decisive and won’t be able to make the difference, so it’s better in those situations to bring in someone with different characteristics, like Dominguez or Cambiaghi. Orsolini is an intelligent lad, he understands and will help us win many games in future.”