Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna Clash Rocked by Manager Sacking: Italiano is Looking for no Less than a Victory

Maccabi Tel Aviv Bologna shaken by last-minute coaching change

Maccabi Tel Aviv made a great call right before their Europa League matchup with Bologna.

The Israeli club has decided to fire coach Zarko Lazetic.

הודעת מועדון: ז'ארקו לאזטיץ'

מועדון הכדורגל מכבי תל אביב החליט להיפרד מהמאמן ז'ארקו לאזטיץ' ומצוותו המקצועי.

הבעלים, מיץ' גולדהאר, מסר: "שוחחתי עם ז'ארקו והודעתי לו על החלטתי. אני רוצה להודות לז'ארקו על תרומתו למועדון במהלך כהונתו, כולל הובלת המועדון לזכייה באליפות ה-26 שלו".… pic.twitter.com/se7bBLETR5

— Maccabi Tel Aviv FC (@MaccabiTLVFC) January 27, 2026

Here’s the statement on the matter: “Maccabi Tel Aviv has decided to part ways with coach Zarko Lazetic and his staff. Mitch Goldar, the owner, explains: “I talked to Zarko and let him know about the decision. I want to thank him for everything he did for the club during his time here, including leading the team to their 26th title.”

Dan Rodman has been chosen as interim coach.

Bologna Europa League qualification still alive

Vincenzo Italiano is on track to stay in his job, even though his team’s not doing so well.

The Bologna coach spoke to the press the night before the Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, which was the last day of the League Phase. The goal is to qualify directly for the round of 16, and the coach is analyzing his team’s current slump.

“We’ve got to take it one game at a time, and this one’s also super important in a competition we care about. We started with the idea of finishing in the top 24, and now we’ve got a chance to finish in the top eight. Maccabi is out of the competition, so let’s see if we can put in a great performance and move up a few places.”

“Things aren’t going well for us in the league for a bunch of reasons, but we have to start over. Even so, we’re still in three competitions and we’re still hoping to reach the round of 16. I’m pretty sure that with Freuler and Bernardeschi back, Ferguson getting better, and the rest of the team in top form, we can still achieve a lot. I’m confident that we can still do great things in these last three months.”

Bologna climbed to 12 points after the 2-2 tie against Celtic at the Dall’Ara. It was a big draw, and it kept them in the running for eighth place. The Rossoblu are just two points away from the playoff zone, where Real Betis currently sits with 14 points. The Emiliani will have to beat Maccabi and keep an eye on the other results, which will be crucial for the final standings.

Italiano plans attacking setup against Maccabi

Either way, the three points would also make sure Bologna gets a spot in the draw. It looks like Italiano is gearing up to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation when they face Maccabi.

Skorupski will be in goal, with Heggem and Vitik in the center and Holm and Miranda on the outside.

Pobega and Moro will be playing in midfield, and Ferguson is expected to be playing in the attacking midfield, with Rowe and Cambiaghi on the wings.

Orsolini will start on the bench, and Dallinga is expected to be the lone striker.