Bologna's Europa Dream Rolls On: Di Vaio Tips Bernardeschi Magic as Villa Smash Lille
Bologna's Marco Di Vaio praises their 'wonderful journey' in the Europa League ahead of the decisive second leg at Roma, highlighting Federico Bernardeschi's experience, while facing a goalkeeper injury blow. Aston Villa advanced past Lille 3-0 on aggregate thanks to Emiliano Martinez's heroics and goals from John McGinn and Leon Bailey, setting up a potential quarter-final clash. The stakes couldn't be higher with silverware dreams on the line.
Bologna's Epic Europa Quest Heats Up
Fancy a pint and a chat about Bologna's wild ride in the Europa League? Sporting director Marco Di Vaio is proper buzzing, calling it a 'wonderful journey' as they head into the second leg against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. It's all to play for after a gritty 1-1 first-leg draw at the Dall'Ara – winner takes the quarter-final spot.
Di Vaio's got his eye on Italian winger Federico Bernardeschi, who's like the wise old head in a squad of eager pups. 'He's got that Juventus nous for big nights,' Di Vaio reckoned, per quotes picked up by TuttoMercatoWeb. With Remo Freuler alongside, they can steady the ship when the pressure cranks up against a Roma side that's no mugs.
And get this – the Olimpico holds sweet memories for the Rossoblù. Last season, they stunned Milan there to lift the Coppa Italia, their first trophy in 51 years and ticket to this Europa adventure. 'Different beast tonight, but those vibes? We're chasing 'em,' Di Vaio grinned.
Boost from Sassuolo, But Keeper Crisis Looms
Bologna rocked up off the back of a cheeky 1-0 Serie A win at rivals Sassuolo – morale through the roof. But here's the kicker: stopper Lukasz Skorupski picked up a knock, so Federico Ravaglia gets the nod between the sticks. High stakes, eh? Kick-off's at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET), and you can bet it'll be a cracker.
Quarter-final foes? Either Aston Villa or Lille, depending on their tie. As it happens, Villa sorted that out in style – more on that in a sec.
Villa's Martinez Masterclass Sets Up Bologna Blockbuster
Over in Blighty, Emiliano Martinez was at it again, the World Cup hero turning villain for Lille fans. Villa clinched a 2-0 win on the night (3-0 aggregate) to march into the last eight, as reported by Sam Wilson at Football Italia and The Independent via OneFootball.
John McGinn bagged the opener 10 minutes into the second half, teed up by a lightning Martinez launch straight after the Argie smothered a Nabil Bentaleb free-kick. The Dons keeper then played traffic cop, pinging it to Jadon Sancho who carved open the defence. McGinn slotted home – his first back at Villa Park post-injury – and cheekily pointed to the Lille end, stirring the pot.
No surprise there; Martinez winds up the French lot like clockwork, from the '22 World Cup final to last year's Conference League pens drama. Leon Bailey sealed it late, tapping in after Ollie Watkins's nudge, while Unai Emery notched his 100th Villa win. Tifo, European quarters three years running – halcyon days at Villa Park.
They bossed it, really. Douglas Luiz and Tammy Abraham went close early, Amadou Onana nodded one over. Lille barely threatened after that Lille Conference fright two years back. Emery, chasing a fifth Europa gong, must be licking his chops for a potential Bologna date in the quarters.
What's Next in This Europa Saga?
Bologna need smarts over brawn tonight – Bernardeschi and co to tame the Olimpico roar. Villa, meanwhile, keep the trophy dream flickering despite a wobbly Premier League run. Emery's no mug; Istanbul in May? Don't rule it out.
If Bologna nick it, we get an Italian-Villa quarter-final feast. Roma fancy their chances at home, but Di Vaio's lads have that underdog fire. Tune in, lads – this Europa lark's delivering the goods.