Italiano reveals two Bologna starters vs. Celtic but faces ’emergency’ in attack

BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Vincenzo Italiano head coach of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Vincenzo Italiano says that Lukasz Skorupski will return in goal for Bologna against Celtic, while Thijs Dallinga will start up front, but Riccardo Orsolini isn’t fully fit, and Santiago Castro has a fever.

Italiano previewed tomorrow’s home Europa League game against Celtic at a press conference on Wednesday.

Bologna vs. Celtic – Italiano’s press conference

“We must only think about the game, without considering other aspects that might affect our performance. We must earn points to aim for the top eight or the play-off,” said the Rossoblu boss via TMW.

Italiano confirmed that Skorupski would return between the sticks after over two months.

“Lukasz returns tomorrow. I had already spoken with him. He came to Verona to taste the game’s atmosphere, but then I preferred to give him some extra training sessions; tomorrow he’ll start,” explained the Bologna coach.

Bologna sit 13th in the Europa League standings with 11, but 8th-placed Porto isn’t far away with 13.

Celtic recalled Brendan Rodgers earlier in January, sacking Wilfried Nancy after just 33 days in charge.

“We’ve seen videos of games under the coach who has now returned,” said Italiano.

“They play a 4-3-3 system, similar to Fiorentina’s, with two midfielders who know how to fill the box.”

The Bologna tactician confirmed another starter for tomorrow’s match, Dutch striker Dallinga.

Italiano: Skorupski and Dallinga to start for Bologna

“Thijs will play, and I hope he’ll play a great game because he’s had highs and lows in the last period. I am confident, and I’ve seen him well today. He’s a good guy, he trains well, and I hope tomorrow he can drag us.”

Even Benjamin Dominguez could be given a chance as a starter at the Dall’Ara tomorrow, and Italiano confirmed the Argentine would not leave the club in the January window.

“Dominguez will stay with his. I spoke to him, and we have a great relationship.

“He’ll have a chance to play tomorrow, as a starter or as a substitute. We have an emergency in the attack tomorrow because Orsolini doesn’t feel too well and Bernardeschi is still not available, so we decided to keep Benji in the list.”

During his pre-match interview with Sky Sport Italia, Italiano added that Bologna’s starting striker, Castro, has a fever, while Remo Freuler would rest.