Bologna’s fluctuating season: top & flops amidst european ambitions
The Bologna story this season was a frustratingly uneven affair – a sprint towards European League qualification abruptly truncated. Italian coach Thiago Motta’s squad delivered a respectable eighth-place finish, fueled by a spirited push, but ultimately lacked the firepower to truly contend. Let’s dissect the standout performers, both shining and stumbling, as Gazzetta World breaks down the best and worst players from the Serie A campaign.
Top three: bologna’s rising stars
Analyzing performance through a media metric lens, here’s a look at Bologna’s top three players in the Fantacampionato Gazzetta 2025-26, featuring at least 10 appearances. Riccardo Orsolini, despite a frustrating 16-game drought, capped the season with a 6.6 Fantamedia score, boasting 9 goals and 1 assist across 34 appearances. A return to more consistent form is undoubtedly key for the winger.
Bernardeschi’s reignition
Federico Bernardeschi’s return to the spotlight was a welcome sight. Following a stint in MLS, the Brazilian injected immediate impact and leadership into the Rossoblu ranks, earning a 6.6 Fantamedia rating with 4 goals and 2 assists. His goals weren’t just points; they were a statement of intent, signaling a player determined to prove his worth once more.
Castro, rowe, and odgaard – a trio of promise
Santiago Castro, Rowe, and Odgaard finished in a tight cluster, each posting a 6.5 Fantamedia score. Castro, surprisingly, stood out with a slightly higher number of goals (6) and assists (2), demonstrating a knack for finding the back of the net. However, all three remain players with significant room for growth and development, particularly in terms of bonus point accumulation.
Bologna’s disappointments: three players to watch closely
Vitik, the young defender, saw his first Italian season conclude with a 5.7 Fantamedia rating, hampered by two yellow cards and zero bonuses in 19 appearances. His struggles highlight the challenges of adapting to Serie A’s physicality and intensity. Lykogiannis, despite a January arrival, fell behind Joao Mario in the pecking order, earning a 5.6 Fantamedia score across 11 appearances, punctuated by three yellow cards. Casale, the experienced centre-back, brought a 5.5 Fantamedia score to his 12 appearances, a figure that underscores a less-than-stellar campaign. It’s clear that Bologna needs reinforcement in the defensive unit to solidify its backline.
Bologna’s season was marked by flashes of brilliance, but also by noticeable shortcomings. As the club looks ahead, focusing on bolstering key areas – particularly the attack and defence – will be paramount to achieving their European ambitions.