Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 8 April 2026 16:00, UK

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery will be preparing for a tough away trip, as Bologna boss Vicenzo Italiano rallies his troops for the Europa League.

The two sides are set to do battle for a spot in the Europa League semi-finals over the next week, after beating both Lille and Roma respectively before the international break.

The Rossoblu in particular pulled off a big shock, as they beat Italian rivals and potential tournament favourites Roma 5-4 over two legs.

Welcoming Villa to Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Italiano’s side are looking to shock the continent once more against another of the favourites.

With the Villans’ stature in mind, they must prepare to navigate what could be a banana skin tie.

Vincenzo Italiano rallies his troops for Aston Villa ‘confrontation’

Once again in the fight for European football in Serie A, Bologna have established themselves as a consistent challenger in Italy – building on the Champions League qualification under Thiago Motta.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of Thursday, boss Italiano was keen to outline just how tough the tie will be: “We have a 50 per cent chance of passing, it will be a complicated match, but we have to prove our worth.”

The Rossoblu fell to a 1-0 defeat at Villa Park earlier this season, making it two losses in two years against the Villans, though Italiano is convinced that this could work to the hosts’ advantage.

“The previous time was in the group, in a single match and played on their field,” said Italiano.

“This time, instead, it will be a double confrontation over 180 minutes, where anything can happen. We know well what their strengths and weaknesses are.

“In addition, we faced them at the beginning of the season, while now we are in the final phase, so the context is different. They have quality, individual talent and great value.”

Though the former Fiorentina boss has been at this stage of a European competition before, he will most certainly back his side to pick up against Villa.

Aston Villa need to be well prepared for Bologna test

Having taken Fiorentina to two Conference League finals and winning the Coppa Italia with Bologna, Italiano is experienced at the thick end of tournaments.

However, as is Emery, he will absolutely know what sort of test awaits in Emilia-Romagna.

The Spaniard has so often played the role of Italiano here, having pulled off European scalps in charge of Sevilla and Villarreal previously.

The Rossoblu will be well prepared to push the B6 outfit all the way on home soil, with a view to bringing a result back to Birmingham in a week.

Villa are the firm favourites to go on and lift the trophy now, but they must be wary as they travel to Italy.