Dribble Diaries

There are moments in a football season when a single match carries the emotional and competitive weight of an entire campaign. March 22, 2026, is one of those moments in Serie A, as Bologna FC and SS Lazio collide in a high-stakes encounter that could define their European ambitions. This is not merely a game about three points—it is a battle for identity, consistency, and a place among Europe’s elite. As the Serie A table tightens and the margins between success and disappointment grow thinner, both clubs find themselves navigating the delicate balance between hope and pressure. Bologna, the surprise contenders, seek to solidify their remarkable rise, while Lazio, a club accustomed to European nights, aim to reassert their status among Italy’s elite. The stakes could not be higher, and the narrative could not be richer. Bologna’s Renaissance: From Underdogs to European Contenders The story of Bologna this season is one of transformation. Once considered a mid-table side with limited a...

The summer transfer window is a chaotic symphony of whispers, leaks, and last-minute drama. Amidst the cacophony, certain narratives emerge, telling tales not just of individual player movements but of club ambitions, strategic shifts, and the evolving landscape of European football. One such narrative, currently unfolding with a thrilling urgency, is Nottingham Forest's relentless pursuit of Bologna's mercurial Swiss winger, Dan Ndoye, and the intriguing sub-plot of Napoli's previous interest. As the ink dries on what appears to be a club-record deal, with Fabrizio Romano himself issuing the coveted "Here We Go!", a €40 million-plus-add-ons agreement between Forest and Bologna for Ndoye, the footballing world is left to dissect the implications. This isn't just another transfer; it's a profound statement from a resurgent Nottingham Forest, a potential turning point in their Premier League journey, and perhaps, a missed opportunity for a Napoli side naviga...

Bologna defeated Milan 1-0 thanks to a goal from Dan Ndoye in the second half, earning the Rossoblu their third Coppa Italia championship. Lukasz Skorupski, the goalkeeper for Bologna, had to make a rapid double save from close-range attempts by Christian Pulisic and Luka Jović as the game started at a frenzied pace. Emil Holm of Bologna came near with a huge header that Mike Maignan stopped to maintain the score tied at halftime as both teams searched for an opportunity in the first stanza. Dan Ndoye made the breakthrough with a deft touch and strong finish past Maignan from inside the area as Bologna applied pressure following the interval. Milan attempted to equalize but nearly gave up a second goal in the last fifteen minutes when Ndoye missed with a strike from the side of the box. In the end, Milan was unable to overcome the resilient Rossoblu defense, and the Rossoneri's 23-year search for a Coppa Italia championship continues. Meanwhile, Bologna won their first cup s...

Tonight marks the second meeting between AC Milan and Bologna in a week, and there are five key matches that could decide the outcome. Due to the fact that both teams have won one game each and the score lines of the league games are very evenly distributed, we have not been able to discern any differences between these two teams. But in this case, all of that is irrelevant. Both teams will likely give a little bit more, anxious for their own victories, and the cup final will mean more to them than words can express. Therefore, it is preferable to get right to the possible deciders. Bologna vs. Milan: The five pivotal matches Rafael Leao and Davide Calabria, who are by no means strangers, engage in the game's first significant battle. Vincenzo Italiano sidelined the Italian, who has been a consistent right-back since leaving in January, for this particular match. Having participated in training more times than one can count on both hands, they are both aware of each other...

At Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Bologna and Juventus drew 1-1 to end matchday 35 in Serie A in a dull but interesting encounter. French midfielder Khéphren Thuram's first goal in the ninth minute put Juventus ahead in Emilia-Romagna, which was exactly the start Igor Tudor's team needed after Roma, Atalanta, and Lazio all secured three-point victories earlier. However, there was some controversy in the first half. After what seemed to be a stonewall decision in favor of the host team, Bologna may have a case for referee Daniele Doveri's failure to give them a penalty. Despite this, Bologna appeared to be the stronger of the two fighters entering the locker room, with Juventus mainly trailing after Thuram's game-opening performance. After Thijs Dallinga's ball into the area dropped for the former Atalanta midfielder, Swiss international Remo Freuler scored his first goal of the season and only his second for the team from close range in the 55th minute to ultimat...

Bologna has reached their first Coppa Italia Final since 1974, and they will play a Milan side looking to capture the title after 22 years. The Final will be held on neutral ground at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on May 14. It will be a one-off match, determined after 90 minutes, extra time, or even a penalty shootout if necessary. The Coppa Italia champions are also automatically qualified for the Europa League if they are not already competing in a major UEFA tournament. Milan and Bologna will compete in the Supercoppa Italiana Final Four, alongside Inter and Napoli. The Road to the Coppa Italia Final Bologna knew it would take something special to miss out after winning the first leg 3-0 away to Empoli, so they sealed the deal with a 2-1 victory at the Stadio Dall'Ara this evening. They had previously reached the Final twice and won the trophy both times, defeating Torino in 1970 (after a competition format rather than a one-time final) and Palermo in 1974. Milan has a...

André Frank Zambo Anguissa put Napoli ahead, but Bologna dominated the second half with a fantastic Dan Ndoye back-heel flick equaliser, as both teams failed to capitalise on previous outcomes. This was a crucial encounter for the table, as a win could see the Rossoblu overtake Atalanta into third place, or Napoli close the margin at the top to one point. Both teams were forced to make last-minute changes due to Alex Meret's sickness and Alessandro Buongiorno's muscular issue, while Lewis Ferguson was replaced in the warm-up by Michael Aebischer, with Davide Calabria already injured. Antonio Conte sat out a touchline suspension. Napoli took the lead thanks to a fantastic solo effort from Anguissa, who flicked on the long ball in the centre circle, brushed off challenges from Emil Holm and Juan Miranda, and then stayed on his feet to move around Lukasz Skorupski before putting into the empty net. Skorupski damaged his knee during the action and had to be replaced by Fede...

Riccardo Orsolini was distraught after limping off during Bologna's Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund and will be out for around a month. The winger was in the starting lineup at the Stadio Dall'Ara on Tuesday, but he injured a muscle in his right thigh and was in tears as he hobbled away during the first half. The club's medical staff confirmed today that Orsolini has a Grade I lesion to the femoral bicep in his right thigh. The same release says that he will be out of play for around 3-4 weeks. Orsolini limped off during Bologna's victory. Bologna had trailed 1-0 after an early Serhou Guirassy penalty but Thijs Dallinga and Samuel Iling-Junior scored twice in 60 seconds to complete the comeback. Although it was their first victory of the season, it was insufficient to keep the squad from being mathematically eliminated from the playoff race.

Aston Villa might be forgiven for printing out the table, framing it, and sticking it to the wall. The club that dominated the continent in 1982 has not hinted at reaching such heights since. However, a chant broke up at the Holte End after Jhon Duran extended their lead and Real Madrid cancelled out and erased Borussia Dortmund's advantage at the Bernabeu. "We are at the top of the league," they chanted. They are, and the league under consideration is the Champions League. Villa have demonstrated significant growth under Unai Emery. However, as the Spaniard approaches the second anniversary of his appointment, the standings are some of the most startling. When Emery arrived, the club from the Second City was on the verge of relegation from the Premier League. Today, they are first in Europe, at the top of a 36-team division. It may only be for 24 hours, but it's a breathtaking sight. Bologna suffered defeat, as did Young Boys Bern and Bayern Munich before them. Vill...

Jhon Durán has been unstoppable this season, whether starting or coming off the bench, and he scored against Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. The former Chicago Fire player has made headlines this season with stunning cameos, winning a few games for Aston Villa off the bench to catapult himself to prominence. But he started ahead of Ollie Watkins against Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, and he took advantage of the opportunity as expected. This season, Jhon Durán averages a goal per 58 minutes. ⚽️👏 After John McGinn opened the score before the hour mark, Durán doubled the Villans' advantage with his seventh goal of the season, extending his astounding goal-to-minute ratio. It's simple. When Durán plays, he scores. When will he give up?

Arsenal have made it clear that they do not want Jakub Kiwior to move on loan, despite interest from Bologna and other clubs around Europe. The Gunners, who signed the versatile defender from Spezia in January 2023 for roughly £21 million, are only interested in a permanent deal if the appropriate offer comes in.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal has the most solid interest in signing Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori outside Italy. The Italy international enjoyed a successful 2023/24 season with the Serie A club. He was a constant presence in their backline as they advanced to the Champions League. Calafiori went on to excel for the Azzurri at the European Championship, and Bologna now faces the possibility of losing his services during the current transfer window. Bologna's technical director, Giovanni Sartori, recently told Sky Sport Italy that the club would love to have the 22-year-old on their roster for another year. If he decides to go, the club chairman has stated that the defender may have to relocate abroad because he is unlikely to be given a transfer to Serie A rivals Juventus. Calafiori might replace Kiwior at Arsenal. Calafiori has made a significant impact since moving to Bologna from Basel last summer. He developed an excellent centre-back partnership with Jho...

Riccardo Calafiori shone on the international scene at Euro 2024, forcing Arsenal and Tottenham to pursue the Italian defender. The 22-year-old left-footed centre back was a key member of Thiago Motta's Bologna side this season, helping the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time in six decades. His work piqued the interest of Juventus, who attempted to outbid their competitors for his services. Juventus negotiated personal terms with Calafiori on a five-year contract for approximately €2.5 million net per season, but their €25 million offer to Bologna was rejected in May. The Rossoblu directors expected his value to rise after the European Championship, and their patience has paid off. North London Derby for Calafiori   Calafiori has swiftly emerged as a major target for both Arsenal and Tottenham ahead of the summer transfer window, with the two Premier League teams already making bids. Spurs have been in communication with Bologna and are preparing to make a ...

Thiago Motta, the former manager of Bologna, has been named Juventus' next head coach. Motta replaces Massimiliano Allegri, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent as a result of his actions following Juve's Coppa Italia victory. The 41-year-old Italian-Brazilian has signed a contract with Juventus until June 30, 2027, having elected to leave Bologna at the end of his contract after securing Champions League participation with a fifth-place finish in Serie A. "I am really happy to begin a new chapter at the helm of a great club like Juventus," Motta stated on the club's official website. "I thank the owners and the management, who can be sure of my ambition to keep the Juventus flag flying high and to please the fans." Motta, a former Barcelona, Inter, and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, earned 30 senior international caps for the Azzurri. After transitioning into coaching, he worked at Genoa and Spezia before accepting the Bologna position in S...