Bologna are set to make its long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League after a 60-year absence, welcoming Shakhtar Donetsk to the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. This match marks Bologna’s debut in the new format of Europe’s premier club competition for the 2024/25 season.
The Italian side, led by manager Vincenzo Italiano, have had a challenging start to their domestic campaign. They are still searching for their first win of the season after three draws (against Udinese, Empoli, and Como) and a defeat to Napoli in Serie A. Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk has experienced mixed fortunes in their league, with three victories and two losses.
This year’s Champions League introduces a new format, replacing the traditional group stage with a single league phase featuring 36 teams. Each team will play eight matches against different opponents, evenly split between home and away fixtures.
Following their encounter with Shakhtar, Bologna’s European journey will take them to face Liverpool and Aston Villa away, host Monaco and Lille at home, and include a double trip to Lisbon to play Benfica and Sporting, with a home game against Borussia Dortmund in between.
Probable Bologna lineup ologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumì, Lykogiannis; Aebischer, Freuler; Orsolini, Fabbian, Ndoye; Castro. Manager: Italiano.
Probable Shakhtar Donetsk lineup (4-3-3): Riznyk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matvienko, Azarovi; Bondarenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov; Pedrinho, Sikan, Kevin. Manager: Pusic.
