Italiano seeks Bologna quality and waiting for Bernardeschi

“We were aggressive on the ball against Como and managed to limit a team that will fight for the top half of the table this season, so I thought that was a great performance,” Italiano told DAZN Italia.

“Where we absolutely must improve is when we have possession, as we can show a lot more quality in those situations. There are many new players, the break for international duty didn’t help, but we know nobody is perfect in Week 3 and we’ll see what impact our work has had.”

Injuries are piling up, as Ciro Immobile, Tommaso Pobega, Emil Holm, Nicolò Casale and Ibrahim Sulemana are out of action.

New signings Nadir Zortea and Torbjorn Heggem start in defence tonight, with Santiago Castro upfront.

“We know that a centre-forward on a good day can run everything through him, but what I want to see is sacrifice off the ball too and helping out the defence, so Santi always provides that. He was playing basically on one foot for a few months last season and now he is finally getting back to full fitness.”

Bernardeschi had been tipped to start, but he is on the bench in favour of Giovanni Fabbian after his venture for Toronto FC.

“Bernardeschi was away from the tempo and intensity of Italian football for three years, but he still has that quality left foot and will have the chance to contribute, especially when we’ve for the Europa League and a packed schedule,” concluded Italiano.