After a 60-year absence from Europe’s elite competition, Bologna are set to make their Champions League debut in the newly expanded format for the 2024-25 season. The Italian side will welcome Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk to the Stadio Dall’Ara on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.
Bologna’s last appearance in Europe’s top club competition dates back to the 1964 preliminary round, where they were eliminated by Anderlecht in a coin toss. Now, as one of five clubs making their Champions League debut in the new 36-team format, Bologna aims to make a lasting impression.
The Rossoblu earned their place in the competition after a remarkable 2023-24 Serie A campaign, where they set a new club record of 68 points and secured their highest league finish since 1967. This achievement led to the departure of coach Thiago Motta to Juventus, with former Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano taking the helm.
Italiano’s tenure at Bologna has gotten off to a rocky start, with the team still seeking their first competitive win of the season. After disappointing home draws and a 3-0 defeat to Napoli, Bologna found themselves trailing by two goals against newly-promoted Como last weekend before salvaging a point through late substitutes Santiago Castro and Samuel Iling-Junior.
The summer transfer window saw the departure of key players Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori to England, leaving Italiano with the challenge of reshaping the squad. Despite these setbacks, Bologna will look to maintain their impressive European home record at the Stadio Dall’Ara, where they have never lost in continental competition, winning 15 of 23 matches.
In contrast to Bologna’s newcomer status, Shakhtar Donetsk bring a wealth of Champions League experience to the fixture. The Ukrainian side have featured in 14 of the last 15 editions of the competition, reaching the quarter-finals as recently as 2011.
Under Croatian head coach Marino Pusic, Shakhtar completed a domestic double last season, clinching their 15th Ukrainian Premier League title and lifting the cup. However, their Champions League campaign ended in the group stage for the sixth consecutive season.
This term, Shakhtar have experienced a mixed start to their domestic campaign, currently sitting sixth in the league table after five matches. Their recent 5-2 victory over Karpaty Lviv, highlighted by Artem Bondarenko’s hat-trick, showcased their offensive capabilities.
For Bologna, captain Riccardo Orsolini will be crucial to their attacking efforts. The Italy international has already opened his account this season and will be looking to add to his tally on the European stage.
Shakhtar’s danger man is likely to be Danylo Sikan, who impressed in last season’s Champions League with four goals in six appearances. Midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, fresh from scoring for Ukraine in the Nations League, will be another player to watch, having created the most chances for Shakhtar in last year’s group stage.
Team News
Bologna’s injury concerns are easing, with Emil Holm, Martin Erlic, and Dan Ndoye returning to the squad. However, Oussama El Azzouzi, Nicolo Cambiaghi, and Lewis Ferguson remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
Shakhtar received a boost with the return of Brazilian midfielder Marlon Gomes from a hamstring injury, providing additional options in the middle of the park.
Expected starting XI’s
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler; Orsolini, Aebischer, Moro, Ndoye; Castro
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-3-3): Riznyk; Konoplya, Franjic, Bondar, Pedrinho; Bondarenko, Kyrskiv, Sudakov; Zubkov, Sikan, Kevin
