Freiburg coach Julian Schuster is not deceived by Bologna’s slow start into the season as he expects a tough Europa League meeting on Thursday in Italy.
Schuster said expects a “team that defends passionately” and their pressing is also “very unpleasant.”
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He said his players will have to suffer but must also make their presence felt.
Freiburg are unbeaten in four matches in all competitions and won their Europa League opener 2-1 against Basel.
Coppa Italia winner Bologna have won only twice from their first six Serie A matches, and lost their European opener 1-0 at Aston Villa.
But Freiburg forward Vincenzo Grifo warned that Bologna have “unbelievably good individual players.”
The match is special for Grifo, whose parents are from Italy and who has earned nine Italy caps.
“I am always happy to be here,” he said, adding that he is already feeling the excitement.