Discussions are underway at Casteldebole. Udine is in sight, but at the Rossoblu they’re also already discussing what to do with the Europa League and the match at the Dall’Ara on Thursday, November 27th, against Salzburg, a crucial juncture in the race for the play-offs for the round of 16. The topic concerns the UEFA list. The injury sustained by Graze, who underwent shoulder surgery, will force the Rossoblu to do without the Swiss until the end of the year. No Salzburg or Celta, in Europe the midfielder will be available again against Celtic on January 22nd. With more than 60 days of unavailability between the last match played and the one of his return, the Bologna can draw on the possibility of bringing in a replacement, without losing the chance of reuniting with Freuler at the end of January. It seemed obvious that the 2003 Ghanaian would be included in the list. Ibrahim Sulemana, to maintain the number of central midfielders unchanged. The injury crisis, however, could change the situation. Rowe and Cambiaghi were both taken out in one fell swoop, and Italiano will be able to count on Orsolini, Bernardeschi, Fabbian, and Odgaard in the attacking midfield ahead of the next Europa League match, with a bare-bones rotation, especially considering the matches against Udinese and Cremonese that will precede and follow the match. At Casteldebole, the coaching staff and management are discussing the best solution. The emergency could change the situation: Monday and Tuesday will be the days of decision. Sulemana is in. But keep an eye on Immobile (photo): given the emergency situation in attack and the importance of the home match against Salzburg (Salzburg are 28th with 3 points, Bologna are on 5 points and 24th, the last play-off spot), they’re considering adding the number 17 to the squad, and potentially playing a portion of the game with two strikers in an emergency, with Odgaard able to replace one of Orsolini or Bernardeschi if needed. There’s also a third option.
Bologna is also considering keeping the substitution slot free and playing Salzburg in a tight spot. The reason? Cambiaghi and Rowe are expected to return to the Coppa Italia against Parma in early January, plenty of time for the away match in Vigo on December 11th. It’s therefore possible that Casteldebole will take its time, waiting for Holm, Cambiaghi, and Rowe to return, before making any changes to the UEFA squad. The decision will be made between Monday and Tuesday.
Marcello Giordano